Trooper Tyler Edenhofer – EOW July 25th, 2018

One of our troopers, that had been on the job less than three months, was killed late Wednesday by a man as officers tried to arrest him on Interstate 10 in the West Valley. Two other troopers were injured but will survive. Col. Frank Milstead, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety has identified the fallen trooper as Tyler Edenhofer. Col. Milstead stated, “Our radio operators received a call of a subject in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 10, about Avondale Boulevard and the subject was in and out of the roadway throwing things at cars. Some citizens pulled over to the right-hand side to actually get the subject out of the roadway. One DPS trooper arrived, and then two others. Two Goodyear police officers also arrived to assist and take the suspect into custody.” “As they attempted to take the man into custody, the man struggled with the troopers, and the fight lasted several minutes. During the struggle, the subject fired at least two rounds from a weapon.” “One bullet hit Trooper Dalin Dorris in the trapezius, near the shoulder. It was a through-and-through wound. He’s in good spirits considering the circumstances”, Milstead said. Trooper Dorris has since been released from the hospital. He has been with the department since 2005. The other bullet struck Edenhofer, who was killed, he was still an officer in training. Edenhofer had just graduated from the DPS academy on May 4. Edenhofer was a Navy veteran and was supposed to finish his training next week. Milstead stated, “The DPS family is in mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Lives have been shattered and ruined. We’re all in a little bit of a state of shock this morning.” A third trooper injured in the incident was identified as Sean Rodecap, 32. His injuries were non-life threatening. Governor Doug Ducey this morning directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from Thursday, July 26, 2018, until sunset Friday, July 27, 2018, in honor of State Trooper Tyler Edenhofer. “Arizona today mourns the loss of one of our brave State Troopers, Trooper Tyler Edenhofer, who was killed in the line of duty, and we pray for the health of Trooper Dalin Dorris who sustained critical injuries during the incident. This tragedy is an all too real and heartbreaking reminder of the harm our heroic law enforcement officers face each and every day for the safety and wellbeing of Arizonans, and for peace in our communities. “This morning I ask Arizonans to join me in prayer and reflection; in gratitude for Trooper Edenhofer’s service to our state, for the strength and health of Trooper Dorris, for both of their grieving families and for all of our brave law enforcement officers who are mourning the loss of one of their own. Arizona stands in support with you all.  I’ve directed all flags at state buildings be lowered to half-staff until sunset tomorrow, Friday, July 27, 2018.”