On March 3, 2014, at about 3:15 p.m., Detective John Hobbs, his partner and a third detective, all from the Major Offender Bureau of the Phoenix Police Department were attempting to locate, William Thornton, a violent felon who was believed to have shot a man the week prior, after having been released from prison in January. The detectives spotted Thornton driving a car in the area around 4000 W. Camelback Road. It is believed that Thornton realized he was under surveillance and fled without getting out of his vehicle.

The detectives followed Thornton to 43rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road, where he collided with another vehicle. He got out of his vehicle and fled on foot. As Detective Hobbs and his partner, who was driving their car, pulled up and started to get out of their vehicle, Thornton began to fire at them with a handgun. Thornton was on the passenger side of the detectives’ vehicle and his gunfire struck both Detective Hobbs and his partner. Though mortally wounded and down, Detective John Hobbs returned fire and shot Thornton numerous times. His partner, who was also critically wounded, was unable to return fire at the suspect.

As the shooting was taking place, the third detective who approached from a different direction in an attempt to cut off the suspect, saw Thornton shooting at the other detectives and he also fired at Thornton. Thornton was killed during the gun battle. The third detective then went to the aid of his injured comrades and administered first aid until Fire Department personnel took over and transported the two injured officers to the hospital.

Sadly, Detective John Hobbs a 21 year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department died of his injuries. His partner, a 9 year veteran of the Department is still in the hospital in critical, but stable condition.

There were two individuals in the car that Thornton collided with, including an 83-year-old woman, who was a passenger in the vehicle. Both of those individuals were taken to a local hospital for precautionary measures.

At this time, the thoughts and prayers of the Phoenix Police Department, as well as the entire community are with the families and friends of the detectives involved in this incident. Chief Garcia is truly grateful to citizens for their support & how they have opened their hearts in this time of tragedy.

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FYI:

I have been contacted by a user that is purporting to be 3TV.  It likely is, you might be as well.  I know at least one other member has.  

I personally don't feel comfortable with putting my face on the news.  I didn't have anything to do with anything.  Keep the focus on John.  His public accomplishments as a police officer are all anyone needs to know, IMO.

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I knew John.  We've lost a good one.



He was also a member of our family at LTW.



An absolute tragedy.

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Another event and another way to help out, for those of us who ride. I may not be able to make this one, since it's on Sunday. I'll have to see what I can do, but I'll be at the cookout sometime between 11AM-2PM tomorrow.





https://www.facebook.com/events/235891486598158/235901073263866/?notif_t=like





From that page:





"Please join us for a Free police escorted ride around our community to honor fallen detective John Hobbs.





This 69.3 Mile Tribute Ride starts with kick stands up at noon from Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, 15600 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260 to 101S to 202W to 51N to 101W to 17N to Carefree Hwy to Cave Creek Road ending up at Hideaway by 1:30PM.





There will be a 3PM Auction at Hideaway with Raffle drawings afterwards. We have our usual huge prizes including rifles donated by Dillon Precision of Scottsdale, Tiffany bracelet from E.D. Marshalls, Alice Cooper signed guitar and more items to come.





We look forward to seeing you there!"