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Flagstaff police officer Tyler Stewart, 24, was trying to
contact suspect Robert Smith, 28, on Saturday when Smith fired
several shots at Stewart before turning the gun on himself, a
police statement said.
"This is an enormous tragedy for our department and the family
of our officer," Chief Kevin Treadway said. "We are a very close
knit organization, and know that all members of the Flagstaff
Police Department are grieving at this time."
A candlelight vigil for the officer is due to take place Sunday
in front of the Flagstaff police department.
Stewart had been with the department in Northern Arizona, for
less than a year. Smith is from Prescott, about 100 miles
southwest of Flagstaff.
Stewart graduated high school in Anthem, Arizona, and Concordia
College in California.
"It is heartbreaking to lose one of our officers," said
Flagstaff Mayor Jerry Nabours. "We collectively mourn for his
family and the entire department."
(Reporting by Karen Brooks; Editing by Alison Williams)
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