TPD Patrol Division Midtown Newsletter - April 2024

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Line of Duty Death

On the evening of March 31, 2024, Easter Sunday, TPD and Operations Division Midtown Lead Police Officer Adam Buckner was responding to a priority call, his emergency lights and siren activated. As he approached the intersection of Campbell Avenue and 6th Street, a motorist failed to yield, causing a collision. LPO Buckner was gravely injured and, despite the life-saving efforts of community members, other officers, Tucson Fire personnel, and medical staff at Banner University Medical Center, he did not survive his injuries.

LPO Buckner was an outstanding police officer, who joined TPD as a lateral hire from New Orleans. He was 31 years old.

Operations Division Midtown is struggling as we suffered a great loss with Adam's tragic passing. It has left a void in our hearts. We at Midtown wish to thank all of you for the overwhelming support you have shown us and the grace and well wishes you have shared toward the officers and especially Adam’s family.

As we move forward, we will honor LPO Adam Buckner's legacy - a law enforcement professional who chose to leave another agency to join our team because he knew how special this agency is. Adam’s name, smile, and kindness will not be forgotten, and he will remain a part of Midtown forever.

Suspect Fires Over 400 Rounds at TPD, Community

On March 10, 2024, at approximately 9:45 a.m., patrol officers from Operations Division Midtown were conducting follow-up on a wanted suspect at a residence in the 3300 block of North Richey Boulevard. The suspect was wanted on felony domestic violence charges. Officers established that the suspect was inside the residence and was refusing to exit. This led officers to treat the situation as a barricaded subject. Members from TPD S.W.A.T. and the Hostage Negotiations Unit were requested and arrived to assist. As S.W.A.T. personnel began to serve a search warrant on the residence, the suspect began to fire multiple rounds at police from inside the residence. S.W.A.T. personnel discharged their firearms as a diversionary tactic to enable officers to reach cover.

The suspect continued to refuse commands to exit and remained barricaded for several hours, continuing to fire rounds at police and indiscriminately. A plan was made to access the residence through breaching the wall. Once S.W.A.T. gained access, the suspect was located, and he was armed. Communication was attempted with the suspect; however, ultimately he sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Officers made the scene safe and began to render aid to the suspect, who was transported by Tucson Fire personnel to Banner University Medical Center, where he was declared deceased. As is standard practice, the Pima Regional Critical Incident Team was activated to handle the criminal investigation of this incident. Thankfully, no officers or community members were injured.

ODM Statistics

Activity

Staffing

ODM in the Community

On March 2nd, TPD Operations Division Midtown hosted a Public Safety Day at the Tucson Mall. Public safety agencies from around the state were in attendance.   
On March 22nd, Midtown personnel helped with the Easter event at Freedom Park.

A Thank You to Our Members

Operations Division Midtown would like to acknowledge the work of all ODM personnel over the past month. This has no doubt been one of the most difficult times I have seen a division experience in my twenty-nine years of service.

Starting on March 10th, with the barricade incident on Richey, followed by the tragic death of LPO Buckner on Easter Sunday, and then an officer-involved shooting just a few days later - this has been very difficult for all of us.

But is through times like this that I am reminded why I am honored to call Midtown home. The young men and women who work here have been nothing short of brilliant. Their dedication to each other and the families of those involved, and their duty to the community should be applauded. They have shown remarkable courage and resilience, and the Midtown community is fortunate to have each and every one of them.

Crime Prevention Tip

Summer's just around the corner and with it comes danger for pets and children. Never leave a child or pet in a vehicle - even if a window is open. They can die from heat stroke in a matter of minutes. Not only is this a tragedy, it's also a crime. It is possible to forget a sleeping pet or child in a back seat, which can lead to tragedy. Some cars have rear-seat reminders to alert parents not to leave children or pets in the car. If yours doesn't, there are car seat alarms you can buy. If that's not an option, you could use some other reminder, like a leash or some baby clothes on your lap, to help prevent the unthinkable.

April Events

04/06 Zero Waste Event at Himmel Park 
04/09 ORCA Meeting 
04/13 Richland Heights East Neighborhood Association Community Party 
04/26 Arroyo Chico Neighborhood Association 2nd Annual TUSD AVID block party

Links

Graffiti Removal
TPD Non-Emergency Online Reporting System
Report a Code Violation (weeds, trash, junked vehicles, building or sign violations)
Report a Homeless Encampment
File a Trespass Letter (for businesses)
TPD Website
For emergencies: call 911
For police non-emergencies: call (520) 791-4444