Phoenix police commander killed, 2 officers wounded
PHOENIX – A 31-year Phoenix police veteran was killed and two officers were injured when a man opened fire on them during a call about a disturbance between roommates in northwest Phoenix Sunday night, authorities said.
Commander Greg Carnicle died after being shot, police said. The other two officers were expected to recover.
The shooting drew a massive police response, with dozens of police vehicles and tactical trucks.
Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams spoke to reporters outside HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center on Sunday night, saying she and Carnicle had known each other for years and had worked in the Maryvale precinct together.
“I can tell you this about Greg: I knew him for 30 years,” Williams said. “He and I worked together in Maryvale precinct and used to enjoy way too much Church’s Chicken on duty, so to be able to stand here today and say that one of my good friends is lost is troubling.”
Carnicle was married and the father of four adult children. He was months away from retiring, police said.
Officers were responding to a disturbance call Sunday evening about an argument between roommates, Phoenix police spokeswoman Sgt. Mercedes Fortune told reporters.
The officers were talking to the man when the encounter escalated. He was not cooperating with officers, then shot them, Fortune said.
The shooter was still inside the residence as of 10 p.m., Fortune said. Police vehicles began leaving the scene before midnight, but police did not immediately confirm what had happened.
Many vehicles then headed to HonorHealth Deer Valley, about 10 minutes south, where at least 40 police cruisers lined up, red and blue lights flashing, preparing for a procession. Other law enforcement officers not in uniform stood on the sidewalk outside the hospital for hours waiting to pay respects.
The procession left the hospital about 12:45 a.m. Monday. As the SUV carrying Carnicle’s body left, dozens of officers standing in front of their police vehicles saluted the commander.
Carnicle oversaw all evening and weekend patrol operations, the Phoenix Police Department said in a Facebook post. It said he had held positions throughout the department, singling out his stints with the special assignments unit and the K9 unit.
Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel spoke at the news conference outside the hospital to reiterate the community’s support for law enforcement.
“We stand with the Phoenix Police Department and all of our first responders. We are so saddened by this loss. And please know we are walking alongside you. As a community we need to be there for each other right now more than ever. Please know we are dedicated to public safety and our first responders. Let our thoughts and our prayers be with the Phoenix Police Department at this time,” Adel said.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego shared words about Carnicle and his career as an officer on Twitter.
“After a decorated career spent keeping PHX safe, he had his choice of assignments. He volunteered to be a Night Commander – this is the truest sign of the integrity of his character,” she wrote.