GILBERT — Chandler Police Officer Christopher Farrar was killed and Gilbert Police Officer Rico Aranda is in the hospital after a pursuit ended in Gilbert on Thursday night.
The incident began at the SanTan Motorplex in Gilbert after 10 p.m. when a Pinal County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a vehicle on SR 87 in the Eloy area. The driver fled and fired shots at the deputy.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Chandler Police Officer Christopher Farrar. Officer Farrar was struck and killed by a suspect driving a stolen vehicle earlier this evening. He was a 18-year veteran of the Chandler Police Department. pic.twitter.com/msQ19LT70L
— Chandler Police (@ChandlerPolice) April 30, 2021
This is a very difficult time for our department and really the entire Chandler community,” said Chandler Police Department Chief Sean Duggan. “Officer Farrar was struck and killed by a violent felon in a stolen vehicle following a multi-agency shooting and pursuit.”
The Gilbert Police Department would like to thank the community for the outpouring of support for our officer who was critically injured in the tragic events that happened last night. pic.twitter.com/5rWciwvuda
— Gilbert Police Dept. (@GilbertPolice) April 30, 2021
The as yet named suspect was taken into custody after Pinal County Sheriff’ Office deputies and Arizona Department of Pubic Safety troopers fired at the suspect. The suspect was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.