PHOENIX -- The fatal shooting of Gilbert police Lt. Eric Shuhandler on Thursday night hit close to home for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Shuhandler, 42, was shot once in the face while executing a traffic stop at the intersection of Val Vista Drive and Baseline Road in Gilbert, a Valley township just east of Phoenix. According to reports, Shuhandler pulled a vehicle over for an obscured license plate. After determining there was an arrest warrant out for the passenger, Shuhandler approached the vehicle and was shot.
The Associated Press said that Shuhandler was wearing body armor, but the shot was to his head.
A 16-year veteran of the Gilbert police force, Shuhandler was a D-backs fan who had attended the team's Fantasy Camp two years ago and planned on doing so again next year.
"It is an absolutely tragic situation," D-backs team president and CEO Derrick Hall said. "The organization is mourning the loss of a Fantasy Camper who we all grew to love, but more so, the loss of a wonderful human being, husband and father. He and his family will always be members of our family."
Shuhandler is survived by his ex-wife, sister, mother, father and two daughters, ages 10 and 12. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. MST at WestWorld in Scottsdale. Following the service, there will be a procession to a graveside service at Mount Sinai Cemetery in Phoenix.
A memorial fund has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank, account No. 1359531975. Donations can also be made via the Mesa Police Association's Officer Assistance Fund at Wells Fargo branches.
Shuhandler had more than two dozen commendations in his personnel file. According to The Arizona Republic, one of them from Gilbert police Cmdr. Ken Fixel said, "I have never seen a police supervisor serve with as much energy and enthusiasm as Eric."
No comments:
Post a Comment