Police officer in good spirits after being shot in head, recovering in hospital

TUBA CITY

Navajo Police Officer Joseph Gregg is out of surgery and is recuperating Monday morning after he was shot in the head during a domestic violence call on Saturday in Kaibeto, Ariz.

The family of Joseph Gregg is in good spirits tonight because he is on the road to recovery.

“He was really excited to get his first meal,” said Shannon Gregg-Starblanket, Gregg’s sister. “He’s been able to walk around and talk on the phone.”

She continued, “I’m really happy. When I talked to him, he was very coherent. I was able to talk to my brother again.”
Authorities say Gregg, 40, of the Tuba City Police District was caught up in a gunfire at a residence along Route 21 where he was responding to a call alone.

Passersby at the time say they saw the Navajo Police drawing their weapons thereafter the incident. Later, dozens of law enforcement officers and first responders from Coconino and Navajo counties arrived at the scene. A roadblock was set up immediately and local traffic was rerouted.

“I was extremely scared,” said Gregg-Starblanket about the news that came as a shock. “I didn’t know what to do. I wish that I could have been there for him.”

An investigation was launched as the area was cordoned off with yellow tape.

Right away, a nonprofit organization in Florida established a “Lights On” vigil for the wounded officer. The organization entitled Heroes Memorial Foundation Inc. asked people throughout the country to shine a porch lamp in support of Gregg and his family.

Many, including Arizona State Rep. Jamescita Peshlakai and the TCPD, participated by simply illuminating a lamp at sundown.

“We need all of our peace officers, first responders and public servants to be respected and diligently protected by each and every one of us,” said Peshlakai. “Funding, training, and increased safety measures need to be pursued.”

Coconino County District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler has said that domestic violence is dividing communities and families.
“We must do everything we can to educate our people,” said Fowler.

U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick stated that Gregg’s family is in her thoughts and prayers.

Earlier this evening, Joseph Gregg had surgery to remove shotgun fragments. His family says he will be discharged from St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix where he is with his wife and four children.

St. Joseph’s Hospital is ranked nationally in adult specialty.

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