Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here
Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
To Our Valued Readers –
Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.
For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.
Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.
Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.
Christopher Cuevas, 45, of Phoenix, was pronounced dead on scene.
Police say just after 4:30 a.m. an officer was dispatched to a residential burglary alarm activation near 7500 N. 59th Lane. The officer arrived and located Mr. Cuevas, who was in the back yard allegedly attempting to break into the home.
Investigators say Mr. Cuevas attempted to flee on foot, and the officer confronted him in the street giving verbal commands. Mr. Cuevas had a solid metal bar, about 2-3 feet in length, in his hand and charged at the officer, according to police.
The officer fired his weapon, striking Mr. Cuevas. Additional officers arrived on scene and attempted life-saving efforts with trauma kits.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Cuevas was attempting to break into the home when the officer arrived, according to police. No one was home at the time of the incident.
The officer did not sustain any injuries, and has been placed on administrative leave per standard practice in this situation.
He has been with the department for more than two years.