ARIZONA, USA — Editor's note: The above video aired during a previous broadcast.
A White Mountain Apache police officer and a suspect are dead after a "gun battle" on tribe land Thursday evening, the tribe's police department said.
Officer Adrian Lopez, who had started with the agency in January, died from gunshot wounds, and another officer, 29-year-old Sergeant Lonnie Thompson, is undergoing treatment at a Phoenix hospital.
Thompson's injuries are not life-threatening, “but can be debilitating,” Brian Swanty, Navajo County Sheriff Chief Deputy said.
The incident started during a traffic stop on East Fork Road in Whiteriver, the department said. An altercation between the officer and the person operating the vehicle ended with the officer being fatally shot.
The suspect, identified as Kevin Nashio, then allegedly stole the shot officer's patrol vehicle and left the scene with other officers in pursuit.
The police chase continued through remote areas of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation until vehicles stopped near the Hawley Lake area, officers said. Officers and the suspect engaged in a "gun battle" until police shot and killed the suspect.
Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Monday, June 6, in honor of Officer Lopez.
“There is no greater act of selflessness than for one to lay down his life for another,” Ducey said in a statement. “Officer Lopez will be remembered as a selfless and brave protector. This is a sobering reminder of the danger our law enforcement officers face every day to keep others safe.”
Officer Lopez joined the department in January 2022, before then he was a Bureau of Indians Affairs police officer from March to December 2021.
“We lost somebody that has dedicated their life to serving this community and it’s not an easy job,” Swanty said
The shooting is being investigated by the FBI.
Investigators originally said that a suspect was in custody. They have since updated their information to say the suspect was shot and killed during the exchange of gunfire.
Officials say Lopez leaves behind a wife and child.
This is a developing story. Stay with 12 News for updates.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Una parada de tráfico dejó a un oficial muerto, otro herido y un sospechoso abatido en White Mountains
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