Print
Comment
Rate
Sheriff Hughes shot during traffic stop
By Jon Johnson/Wick Communications
Outgoing Graham County Sheriff Frank Hughes was shot Monday evening after checking on a vehicle that was pulled over on the side of Safford/Bryce road.
Undersheriff Dwayne Elders told the Eastern Arizona Courier that Hughes was on patrol when he encountered a dark-colored sedan occupied by a male and a female between 11:30 p.m. and 12 a.m. Elders said the sheriff performs patrol duty at times due to a shortage of available deputies.
The car was parked on the side of Safford/Bryce Road west of Reay Lane near Watson Wash. Hughes told Elders the sedan had its trunk open as if the occupants were changing a tire.
As Hughes approached the sedan, the unknown male exited the vehicle with a shotgun and pointed it at the sheriff's head. A scuffle ensued and Hughes was able to lower the barrel of the gun before being shot.
The pellets were absorbed by Hughes' body armor and did not penetrate him. The force of the blast knocked him back, however, and he apparently lost consciousness after striking his head. The suspects fled the scene in the sedan.
A passing motorist noticed Hughes lying on the ground near his patrol vehicle and called authorities around 12 a.m., according to Elders.
Hughes was transported to the Mount Graham Regional Medical Center for treatment and was listed in good condition Tuesday morning.
"He's doing well," hospital public affairs officer Ryan Rapier said.
Hughes was unable to report a license plate due to the car's open trunk.
Anyone with information should call (928) 428-3141.
Undersheriff Dwayne Elders told the Eastern Arizona Courier that Hughes was on patrol when he encountered a dark-colored sedan occupied by a male and a female between 11:30 p.m. and 12 a.m. Elders said the sheriff performs patrol duty at times due to a shortage of available deputies.
The car was parked on the side of Safford/Bryce Road west of Reay Lane near Watson Wash. Hughes told Elders the sedan had its trunk open as if the occupants were changing a tire.
As Hughes approached the sedan, the unknown male exited the vehicle with a shotgun and pointed it at the sheriff's head. A scuffle ensued and Hughes was able to lower the barrel of the gun before being shot.
The pellets were absorbed by Hughes' body armor and did not penetrate him. The force of the blast knocked him back, however, and he apparently lost consciousness after striking his head. The suspects fled the scene in the sedan.
A passing motorist noticed Hughes lying on the ground near his patrol vehicle and called authorities around 12 a.m., according to Elders.
Hughes was transported to the Mount Graham Regional Medical Center for treatment and was listed in good condition Tuesday morning.
"He's doing well," hospital public affairs officer Ryan Rapier said.
Hughes was unable to report a license plate due to the car's open trunk.
Anyone with information should call (928) 428-3141.
 |
 |
|
| Community Briefing | Food Bank is recipient of salvage produce after rollover |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of willcoxrangenews.com.
