Arizona Police Departments Mourn Killing of White Mountain Apache Officer

Officer David Kellywood was responding to reports of gunfire Monday morning when he was shot and killed by the suspected gunman.

Gov. Doug Ducey ordered flags put at half-mast to honor a police officer who was shot and killed Monday morning.

Officer David Kellywood was responding to reports of gunfire near the Hon-Dah Resort Casino early Monday morning when he approached a man wielding a gun, 12 News reports. The man shot Kellywood and was then shot by another officer who arrived on the scene.

“The subject immediately engaged in a violent, physical altercation with the officer, during which, the officer was shot,” the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office said in news release. “A second responding officer arrived shortly after, and fearing for his life and the public’s safety, shot the suspect.”

Kellywood and his assailant were taken to a nearby hospital, where they both died due to injuries from the shootings. At Ducey’s request, flags on state buildings were lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Feb 18.

“Arizona mourns the death of Officer David Kellywood of the White Mountain Apache Police Department,” said Ducey. “This heartbreaking loss is another reminder of the danger our law enforcement officers face every day to keep others safe. Our prayers are with Officer Kellywood’s wife, children and loved ones as well as the White Mountain Apache Tribe.”

Police departments throughout the state offered their condolences to friends and family on social media. Kellywood is survived by his wife and two children.