On Tuesday, Oct. 27 a Maricopa County Superior Court judge sentenced Essa Williams to 50 years in prison for the attempted murder of Officer Tyler Moldovan and aggravated assault on Officer Zachary Johnson.

Officer Tyler Moldovan was attacked on Dec. 14, 2021, as he and fellow officers searched for a suspect who fled from a vehicle in the area of 19th Avenue and West Camelback Road. Officer Moldovan suffered life-threatening injuries and continues to recover to this day.

“On December 14, 2021, Tyler and Zach’s lives changed forever,” Chief Matt Giordano said outside the courthouse. “The violent, unprovoked attack on Tyler, who was just 22 years old, nearly took his life. Today, the man responsible is finally facing the consequences of his actions, and justice has been served. I am grateful for the dedication of the prosecutors, detectives and everyone who stood by Tyler throughout this journey.”

The Department is grateful to the court and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for holding those who attack police officers accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Editor’s note: The above was republished from a Phoenix Police Department news release.