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SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Suspect in custody following killing of Arizona tribal officer

Posted 8/31/20

A man faces several charges in connection with the killing of a tribal police officer in southern Arizona.

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SOUTHERN ARIZONA

Suspect in custody following killing of Arizona tribal officer

Posted

A man faces several charges in connection with the killing of a tribal police officer in southern Arizona.

Officer Bryan Brown with the Tohono O’odham Police Department was struck and killed after a suspect stole his patrol vehicle Aug. 27 outside Desert Diamond Casino Why in Why, Arizona, according to federal court documents obtained Monday morning.

Court documents state Officer Brown responded to the casino and spotted Carlos Maximilliano Galvan, 39, who was standing outside his vehicle. The suspect, who had a broken bottle in hand, began approaching the officer, who backed away from his patrol vehicle. The suspect then entered the officer’s vehicle and fled onto a nearby highway.

The suspect then turned around and drove towards a United States Border Patrol vehicle and Officer Brown, initially striking the Border Patrol vehicle while an agent stood outside. The suspect then drove towards Officer Brown, who fired his weapon at the vehicle before being ran over, documents state. The officer was airlifted to a Phoenix hospital where he died from his injuries.

The suspect fled the area again and encountered two other Border Patrol vehicles. He allegedly struck both vehicles before exiting the stolen vehicle and being detained. He was then transported to a Phoenix hospital after authorities noted an injury to his neck, documents state.

According to court documents, Carlos Maximilliano Galvan, a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, allegedly admitted to backing up into an officer. He said he was spooked from hitting the officer and took off. He further stated that he had been awake for days and was high on meth.

The suspect faces charges of premeditated murder and assault, impeding, intimidating and interfering a federal officer.

“The FBI would like to thank the Tohono O’odham Police Department for their help with this investigation, as well as U.S. Border Patrol, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the Pascua Yaqui Police Department for their assistance,” a release stated.

Officer Brown is survived by his wife, seven children, four stepchildren, eight grandchildren, seven siblings and his father. He was preceded in death by his mother.

Donations are being handled by Lt. Wenona May of the Tohono O’odham Police Department. The 100 Club of Arizona is also accepting donations.