Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Officers take a moment to contemplate while investigating a possible homicide in Safford on Thursday.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – For the second time this week, police are busy investigating a homicide in Safford.
Safford Police and the Arizona Department of Public Safety have blocked off 7th Street from 8th Avenue to 10th Avenue and 9th Avenue from 7th Street to 8th Street for its investigation.
According to officers at the scene, the area is necessary to collect all the evidence that is strewn throughout. The incident reportedly encompassed a wide swath in the area, including multiple residences. There is no timetable for the streets to reopen.
According to a press release from the SPD, officers were initially dispatched to the 700 block of 9th Avenue at about 4 a.m. on Thursday regarding a reported attempted burglary.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a man covered in blood acting “out of control and delirious,” according to the release.
While attempting to provide medical attention, the subject became combative and officers used a TASER and pepper spray to subdue him.
Medical professionals then attempted to give aid but the subject never revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Due to the nature of the incident and SPD’s involvement in initially subduing the subject, it is being investigated as a homicide by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. However, preliminary evidence shows the subject’s fatal injuries were likely caused by his own actions in an attempted burglary.
The SPD is also continuing to investigate a double homicide from Monday morning in mid-town.
