Authorities are searching for multiple suspects after a shooting southwest of Tucson killed a 23-year-old police recruit and wounded his 23-year-old fiancée, a Pima County corrections officer. Deputies found the couple at a home on South Enchanted Spring Drive early Wednesday morning. The woman was hospitalized in stable condition, while investigators identified two masked male suspects and a possible getaway vehicle. Officials said the shooting was not believed to be connected to the separate abduction of Nancy Guthrie.
| 1) | Early-morning shooting brings deputies to southwest Tucson |
|---|---|
| 2) | Police recruit dies and corrections officer is hospitalized |
| 3) | Investigators describe suspects and suspected vehicle |
| 4) | Law enforcement leaders ask the public for information |
| 5) | Authorities say shooting is unrelated to separate abduction |
Early-morning shooting brings deputies to southwest Tucson
The initial emergency call came at about 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, from a home in the 7700 block of South Enchanted Spring Drive, approximately 17 miles southwest of Tucson. Pima County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to the property and found two victims. The circumstances leading to the shooting remained under investigation, and authorities had not announced a motive or confirmed whether the suspects knew the victims.
Police recruit dies and corrections officer is hospitalized
The male victim was identified as Carlos Ramirez, a 23-year-old Tucson Police Department recruit. He died at the scene or shortly afterward, according to investigators. The female victim, also 23, is a Pima County corrections officer and was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound. Officials said she was in stable condition. Authorities initially described the pair as married but later clarified that they were engaged and shared a child.
“This is a pretty sad day for law enforcement, today,” Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters during a briefing at the scene.
Investigators describe suspects and suspected vehicle
Deputies are seeking multiple suspects described as Hispanic males wearing black clothing and ski masks. Investigators said the men may have been traveling in a gray Acura MDX believed to be from model years 2007 through 2013. The vehicle may be identifiable because the panel covering the gas cap could be missing. Authorities have not announced any arrests or released additional information about the suspects’ identities.
Law enforcement leaders ask the public for information
Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto urged anyone who knows something about the shooting, the suspects or the described vehicle to call 911. Sheriff Chris Nanos said he expected detectives to provide more information as the investigation developed. Chief Prieto characterized the deaths and injury as a loss for the victims’ family, the police department and the wider Tucson community.
“It is both a tragic event and tremendous loss for our community, this city and our department,” Chief Monica Prieto said.
Authorities say shooting is unrelated to separate abduction
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the shooting was not believed to be connected to the abduction of Nancy Guthrie. That case involved a separate incident at Guthrie’s home in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills on Feb. 1, on the other side of the city. Investigators in the shooting continued reviewing evidence and pursuing the multiple suspects as the case remained active.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1) | A 23-year-old Tucson police recruit, Carlos Ramirez, was killed. |
| 2) | His 23-year-old fiancée, a Pima County corrections officer, was wounded and hospitalized in stable condition. |
| 3) | Multiple suspects remain at large, with a gray Acura MDX sought by investigators. |
| 4) | Authorities said the shooting was not believed to be connected to Nancy Guthrie’s abduction. |
Summary
The investigation remains active, with deputies searching for multiple masked suspects and asking the public to report relevant information. Authorities have released descriptions of the suspects and a potentially distinctive vehicle but have not announced a motive, arrests or further details about the shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the shooting?
Carlos Ramirez, a 23-year-old Tucson Police Department recruit, was killed.
Who was wounded?
A 23-year-old Pima County corrections officer and Ramirez’s fiancée was wounded and hospitalized in stable condition.
What should witnesses do?
Tucson police asked anyone with information about the shooting, suspects or suspected gray Acura MDX to call 911.
