MEDIA ADVISORY
OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
Date and Time: 04-03-14, approximately 1515 hours
Locations: 4200 W. Bethany Home Road
Report Numbers: 2014-00372473
Victims: 1. Detective John T. Hobbs #5624
Male, 43-years-old
21 years with the Phoenix Police Department
Injuries: Deceased
2. Male, 43-years-old
9 years with the Phoenix Police Department
Injuries: Gunshot wound, critical, but stable condition
Suspects: William Thornton AZ DOC #163120
Male 28-years-old (azcorrections.gov)
Injuries: Deceased
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. It is asked that the media please respect their privacy.
Thank you,
Sergeant Tommy Thompson
Phoenix Police Department
Public Affairs Bureau
Media Relations Unit
602-534-3680 Desk
602-920-3459 Cell
Phoenixpd.pio@phoenix.gov
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