Officer Shooting Suspect Deported Last YearOfficer Dies Of Gunshot Wound; Police Shoot, Kill Suspect
PHOENIX -- The man suspected of killing a Phoenix police officer Tuesday was an illegal immigrant who had been deported last year, immigration officials said.
Erik Jovani Martinez, 22, was deported to Mexico on March 3, 2006 after he was convicted on a theft charge, according an Immigration Services spokesman.
"It is an unfortunate situation I have to inform you that the City of Phoenix has suffered another tragedy," said Mike Frazier, assistant police chief.
"We lost an officer who was killed in the line of duty," Frazier said.
Police said two officers, Nick Erfle and Rob Rodarme, stopped two women and a man who were jaywalking near 24th Street and Thomas Road around 8:30 a.m.
Police said the officers asked the three for identification and learned the man, who identified himself as 24-year-old Anthony Sanchez, had a misdemeanor warrant out for his arrest. Phoenix police Sgt. Joel Tranter later said Anthony Sanchez was one of many aliases used by Martinez, who was wanted in Tucson on a shoplifting charge.
Tranter said Martinez gave an alias because he was trying to conceal a felony warrant out for his arrest. The warrant was filed in Maricopa Superior Court and was for aggravated assault.
Erfle walked back to Martinez and began to arrest him, Tranter said. Rodarme was nearby with the two women.
A physical confrontation quickly ensued and Martinez pulled a handgun and fired multiple shots, Tranter said. One of them struck Erfle.
Erfle was transported to Banner Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 9:30 a.m.
Shooter Carjacks Motorist At Gunpoint
Martinez fled the scene on foot before carjacking a 2000 gold Dodge Stratus.
The two women stayed behind and were taken into custody. Police said they were being questioned and were cooperating with officers.
Tranter said Martinez ran south to the intersection of 24th Street and Thomas Road, where he approached the Stratus, which was stopped for the traffic light. Martinez opened the passenger door, pointed the gun at the motorist and ordered him to drive from the scene, Tranter said.
Witnesses provided a description and license plate number of the Stratus.
Police located the vehicle near 51st and Grand avenues and followed it using air units and unmarked cars.
Officers in the unmarked cars forced the Stratus to a stop near 27th Avenue and McDowell Road around 9:40 a.m.
Police said there were two people in the car, Martinez and a hostage. The hostage was driving.
Officers in full tactical gear approached the vehicle on foot.
Police said Martinez held a gun to the hostage's head, and that's when police opened fire, hitting and killing Martinez.
Detective Bob Ragsdale said only one round was fired. Martinez died inside the car.
Officers then pulled the hostage from the car. Ragsdale said the man was uninjured.
Officer 'Died A Hero,' Acting Chief Says
"The citizens of Phoenix have lost another hero," Frazier said in a press conference outside Good Samaritan Hospital on Tuesday. "He died a hero, doing the job he loved most."
A makeshift memorial consisting of a white cross, flowers and stuffed animals has been erected near the shooting scene. It's also become a gathering place for fellow officers to mourn their loss.
Erfle, 33, was an eight-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department. He was married with two sons, ages 3 and 5, and had just overcome a battle with testicular cancer.
"He had had a very bad bout with cancer; in fact, we thought we were going to lose him. He had lost a considerable amount of weight. He had just made his way back," said Lt. Robert Sparks.
Frazier said the entire police force was devastated by Erfle's death.
"We're 4,000-plus strong, but we're a family. And when one of us is hurt, we're all hurt," Frazier said. "And that's the way it has always been and will always be."
Vice Mayor Dave Siebert echoed Frazier's sentiments.
It has been a violent year for Valley police officers. Glendale police Officer Anthony Holly was shot and killed while providing backup during a traffic stop on Feb. 19 and Phoenix police Officer George Cortez Jr. was killed on July 27 after responding to a forgery call about a bad check.
