Officer David Kellywood with the White Mountain Apache Police Department was reportedly killed in the line of duty early morning on Monday, Feb. 17.
According to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 1 a.m., officers from the White Mountain Apache Police Department responded to reports of shots fired near the Hon-Dah Resort-Casino, south of Pinetop-Lakeside.
The first responding officer located a man matching the description of the individual involved. He reportedly immediately engaged in a violent, physical altercation with the officer and the officer was shot. A second responding officer arrived shortly after, and fearing for his life and the public’s safety, shot the suspect. The officer and male subject were both transported to a local hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. The investigation is being led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Commenting on social media, District 5 Navajo County Supervisor Dawnafe Whitesinger stated, “What a tragic loss to our community, a dedicated young man who loved his family and community. Thank you Officer Kellywood for your service and example of a servant’s heart. My deepest sympathies to your lovely, wife, children, family and fellow officers.”
One of the youngest officers on the force, Officer Kellywood leaves behind a wife and two children. As of press time not further details were available regarding the incident.
