In a dramatic incident near Benson, Arizona, a Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper was involved in a fatal shooting during a traffic stop on May 25. The event unfolded around 8 a.m. on Interstate 10 when the trooper, conducting routine traffic enforcement, spotted a Cadillac SUV speeding at 95 miles per hour in a 75-mile-per-hour zone.

The driver, identified as Berkleigh Jade Bond, initially provided a false name to the trooper. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Bond had fictitious license plates and was wanted on extraditable felony warrants. When the trooper attempted to take Bond into custody, she resisted arrest.

According to a DPS news release, the trooper deployed a taser in an attempt to subdue Bond, but she managed to escape back into her vehicle. As the trooper tried to regain control, Bond began driving away with the trooper partially hanging out of the vehicle. In response, the trooper fired at Bond, resulting in her death at the scene.

The trooper involved in the incident has 28 years of law enforcement experience and sustained injuries during the altercation. DPS has reported that he is currently recovering at home.

Community Impact

This incident highlights the risks faced by law enforcement officers during routine traffic stops and underscores the importance of compliance with traffic laws and regulations. The Arizona DPS continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

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Original reporting: 12News / KPNX (Phoenix metro) — read the source article.