Navajo police officer shot but in stable condition; suspect apprehended
Navajo police officer Joseph Gregg. (Times photo - Krista Allen)
KAIBETO, Ariz.
Navajo police officer Joseph Gregg. (Times photo – Krista Allen)
Authorities say Navajo police officer Joseph Gregg was shot in the face with a 12-gauge shotgun and is now in stable condition at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz.
Gregg, 40, who is with the Tuba City Police District, was caught up in gunfire on Saturday at a residence along Route 21 where he was responding to a domestic disturbance call.
Gregg’s family says he was working alone in the area every weekend.
Navajo Nation spokesman Deswood Tome said, “The assailant shot and wounded him, Gregg.”
Tome says Gregg returned fire and shot the suspect. The name of the suspect was not released. Authorities say the suspect then barricaded himself in a home. Thereafter, Gregg was airlifted to Flagstaff Medical Center.
Later on, the suspect was apprehended.
“This unspeakable violence and alcohol is tearing our families and communities apart,” said Coconino County District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler of the incident. “Our prayers are with officer Joseph Gregg and his family tonight.”
In 2011, the late Sgt. Darrell C. Curley, was shot and killed in the line of duty while also responding to a domestic disturbance call.
It is not uncommon that Navajo police officers work individually, rather than with a partner.
“It breaks my heart knowing he did not have backup, “Shanna Gregg-Starblanket said, sister of Gregg. “It makes me wonder how long did he have to suffer alone, wounded, not knowing if there was anyone else around who would hurt him.”
The Navajo Times will provide updates as they are made available.
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