Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald
Extended street closure for DPS investigation
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – Safford officers responded to an argument between an armed man and a utility worker Tuesday morning and shot the man after he allegedly threatened officers with his firearm.
Douglas Van Raam, of Graham County, was hospitalized for treatment after being struck by multiple shots.
According to a Safford Police Department press release, officers were initially dispatched to the 1200 block of 12th Street at about 10 a.m. Upon arrival, officers located Van Raam, who had already threatened a Safford utility worker with his handgun, still engaged with the worker.
Van Raam reportedly refused to lower his weapon and when he pointed it at one of the responding officers two other officers fired upon him, according to the release. Van Raam was then taken to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-fatal wounds.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is investigating the officer-involved shooting and has closed streets in the area of 9th Street and 12th Avenue for an extended period.
Assisting the SPD at the scene were officers from the Thatcher Police Department and deputies from the Graham County Sheriff’s Office.
