Suspect fatally shot by police in Safford

Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: The suspect was fatally shot by authorities after allegedly firing at police officers.

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

SAFFORD – One man was shot and killed by police on Sunday after allegedly firing at police officers. The male subject was identified as 51-year-old Stephen Paul John ,of Safford, Arizona.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), Safford Police officers, Graham County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and an AZDPS trooper “returned” fire at a male subject in the 2300 block of U.S. Highway 191. The incident took place at about 3:34 p.m.

John died at the scene from injuries he sustained after firing at law enforcement officers. Police were initially dispatched to the area regarding a man with a weapon. John allegedly fired his weapon at the officers, who then returned fire, according to the release.   

No law enforcement officers were injured.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is conducting the investigation and will provide additional information when it becomes available. 

The incident took place in the Jensen Hill area off U.S. Highway 191 just north of Discovery Park Boulevard.

The shooting forced the closure of U.S. Highway 191 roughly from 20th Street/Lonestar Road to Discovery Park Boulevard for about 12 hours.  

This article was updated Friday with the release of the deceased man’s identity.