FORT APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION, Arizona -- A White Mountain Apache tribal police officer was shot and killed early Monday morning.
Officer David Kellywood was fatally shot during a violent encounter with a suspect near the Hon-Dah Resort Casino shortly before 1 a.m., according to AZFamily.com.
"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."
Both the officer and suspect were taken to the hospital where they died of their injuries.
While neither NCSO nor WMAPD released the officer's name, Jerold Altaha, District II Councilmember, identified him as Officer David Kellywood.
The FBI is currently handling the investigation.
The Blue Ridge Unified School District released a statement remembering Kellywood, who was a 2012 Blue Ridge High School graduate.
"avid was a great role model for our local kids. He was a student athlete, playing basketball for Blue Ridge, and a great family man who leaves behind his loving wife and two sons," the statement reads. "We thank Officer Kellywood for being a great role model to our youth, and for his service and commitment to our community - he will be missed.""
Arizona Department of Public Safety Col. Frank Milstead shared his thoughts and prayers with the White River Police Department, saying: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the women and men of the White River Police Department. As they deal with the shooting death of Officer David Kellywood. The dangers of police work is ever present as we protect all from the wicked and evil."
This is the 11th officer-involved shooting in Arizona this year. Seven of the shootings have occurred in Maricopa County. The remaining four happened in Sedona, Tucson, Yuma, and east of Pinetop-Lakeside.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
