The community of Show Low is mourning following the death of Police Officer Darrin Reed, who was killed on Tuesday, Nov. 8, after responding to a call regarding suspicious activity.
Reed responded to the Days Inn at 12 p.m. Tuesday, but the suspect, identified as Daniel Erickson, 36, had left the area and was discovered in the 400 block of West Deuce of Clubs near Arby’s. Erickson fled when officers approached, firing off several rounds from a pistol. One struck Reed, who was transported to Summit Regional Medical Center where he later died.
An intense manhunt by law enforcement resulted in the discovery of Erickson at approximately 8 p.m. The suspect was hiding in a vacation cabin at Lake of the Woods Resort in Lakeside, where he had taken a 15-year-old girl hostage.
The White Mountain Special Response Team and area law enforcement officers surrounded the cabin and began negotiations. Members of the Arizona Department of Public Safety SWAT team were called and upon their arrival, took over the scene. During approximately six and half hours of negotiations with Erickson, he sporadically shot at officers. The standoff came to an end when officers finally returned fire and killed Erickson.
The hostage was safely recovered and taken to the hospital for evaluation.
Reed, 50, served with the Show Low Police Department for 10 years and prior to that, worked for the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
A candlelight vigil is planned for Reed at 6 o’clock tonight (Nov. 9) at the Festival Marketplace, located at 1034 E. Deuce of Clubs in Show Low.
