On February 16, 2015 at approximately 3:00 a.m., the Pima County Sheriff’s Department requested the assistance of the Marana Police Department in locating 56 year-old, Daniel Lawrence Caldwell wanted for questioning in a DV/ Aggravated Assault incident that occurred in Pima County.
It was reported that Caldwell discharged a handgun while arguing with his girlfriend. Marana Police received information which led them to believe that Caldwell had rented a room at the Super 8 Hotel, located 8351 N Cracker Barrel Rd. Officers responded the Super 8 Hotel and confirmed that Caldwell had rented a room. Caldwell was not at the Hotel at the time. Believing that Caldwell was still in the area, the search was expanded to surrounding businesses.
Officer Cesar Nelson, a 6 year veteran of the Marana Police Department located Caldwell’s car in the parking lot of the Cracker Barrel Restaurant, located at 8400 N Cracker Barrel. As Officer Nelson was seated in the driver seat of his patrol car, he noticed Caldwell walking up from behind him. Caldwell was holding a handgun in his right hand. As Officer Nelson exited his patrol car, he observed Caldwell raising the handgun in his direction. Officer Nelson drew his duty weapon and fired at Caldwell.
A short time later, two additional Marana Police Officers arrived on scene and immediately applied blood clotting bandages and administered CPR to Caldwell. Caldwell was transported to the University Medical Center where he later died. The Marana Police Department is actively investigation this Officer Involved Shooting. Officer Nelson is on paid administrative leave which is standard procedure following an Officer Involved Shooting. Officer Nelson was not injured.