On June 25, 2016 two Tucson Police Department motor officers were working in the area of E. Speedway Blvd. and N. Olsen Ave. conducting traffic enforcement. Just after 9:00 p.m., Ofc. Schwenn and Ofc. Murphy observed two motorcycle riders headed westbound on Speedway traveling above the posted speed limit. The officers got behind the motorcycle riders to prepare for a traffic stop and noted neither license plate was visible.
The riders began to slow and eventually stop for a red light at N. Campbell Ave. Both riders were in the median lane and appeared to be talking to each other. Officer Schwenn activated his emergency lights and pulled around to the front of the motorcycles and parked perpendicular to the two riders. As Officer Murphy began to approach from the left side, the rider on the left immediately accelerated past the officer and ran the red light. The rider made a U-turn and fled the area eastbound on Speedway Blvd.
The other rider began to walk his motorcycle backwards away from Officer Schwenn. Officer Schwenn gave verbal commands to the rider and then placed his TPD motorcycle on the side stand. The rider ignored commands and revved the engine. The rider accelerated forward with the front tire off the ground and struck Officer Schwenn’s motorcycle on the saddlebag area. The rider narrowly missed striking Officer Schwenn who was still on his motorcycle at the time. Officer Schwenn was able to grab onto the male as he continued to try to ride through his motorcycle. Officer Murphy rushed over during this and pulled the rider from the motorcycle. The officers were able to detain the rider without further incident.
Neither officer was injured. Officer Schwenn is a 21-year veteran and Officer Murphy is a 10-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department. Both officers are currently assigned to the Impaired Diver Enforcement Unit.
The motorcycle rider sustained minor injuries that did not require transport to a hospital. He has been identified as 25-year-old Robert Persico III. He was arrested for the following charges:
- Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer with a Deadly Weapon – Class 2 Felony
- Criminal Damage – Class 5 Felony
- Possession of a Narcotic Drug – Class 4 Felony
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Class 6 Felony
Mr. Persico was transported and booked into the Pima County Jail.