Ariz. Cop Shot by Probationer Was Helpful, Friendly

Photo: Glendale PD.

In his four years with the force, Glendale (Ariz.) PD police officer Brad Jones had already made an impression with colleagues and citizens who called in to praise him.

Officer Jones, 26, succumbed to gunshot wounds on Saturday that he sustained while assisting a probation officer during a meeting with a probationer.

"He was just one of those guys next door who was very nice," Officer Tracey Breeden tells POLICE Magazine. "He was helpful, doing a good job. Young officer, very friendly. All the squad-mates enjoyed working with him."

Ryan Heisler, 20, is suspected of fatally shooting Officer Jones late Friday at an apartment complex near 75th and Glendale avenues. Heisler was not considered a high-risk subject and the meeting with him was considered a "typical call for service to assist with a probationer," Officer Breeden said.

Heisler shot Officer Jones during a physical struggle. The officer was able to call for assistance with his portable radio. After he shot the officer, Heisler jumped into the officer's cruiser and fled as responding units arrived at the scene. Heisler crashed the cruiser a few blocks away, and officers pursued him on foot, eventually shooting him and taking him into custody.

Officer Jones leaves behind a wife and two young children. A memorial service is expected to be held later in the week.

By Paul Clinton