Police: Officer dies after Glendale shooting

GLENDALE, AZ - A police officer has died after being shot by a suspect at a Glendale apartment complex Friday night.

During an emotional news conference Saturday morning, Glendale Police Chief Steven Conrad said 26-year-old officer Brad Jones passed away from his injuries overnight.

Conrad said Jones had been a Glendale officer for about four years. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, and two young children.

Police said it all started Friday night when a probation officer contacted Glendale police to go with him to meet 20-year-old Ryan Heisler at an apartment complex near Glendale and 75th avenues.

While meeting with Heisler, a struggle ensued and Jones radioed to other officers for assistance.

The suspect then allegedly pulled out a weapon and fired at Jones seriously wounding him, according to authorities.

The arriving officers saw Heisler flee in the injured officer’s vehicle and chased him until he crashed in the area of 81st and Glendale avenues, police said.

The suspect began to flee on foot with officers close behind when he allegedly pointed a weapon at them.

Police said three officers responded with gunfire, striking Heisler.

Heisler was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where he remains in critical condition, police said Saturday.

Court records show Heisler was convicted of unlawful imprisonment and possessing a burglary tool. He was just released from prison in May.

The wounded officer was treated at the scene by fellow officers and Glendale Fire Department paramedics before being transported to St. Joseph's Hospital.

Police said Jones died from his wounds a little after midnight, surrounded by family, friends and fellow officers.

Sgt. Brent Coombs said the death is difficult for the department.

"This is a day that we never want to encounter, this is our worst fear that one of our "family," one of our police officers, is killed in the line of duty," Coombs said.

Coombs said Officer Jones had an impact in the community.

"This officer was just such a bright kid," Coombs said. "He's the kind of guy that goes out to a call for service and he impacts the commmunity so much that they call and say what a nice guy he is."

Jones grew up here in the Valley and took an interest in law enforcement after high school. He did several ride-alongs with Glendale and Phoenix as a young man.

"When you see his picture it is like you're looking at the kid from next door who is your buddy," said Coombs.

Governor Jan Brewer ordered all flags be flown at half-staff until sunset Saturday in honor of Jones.

Coombs said Jones is the third Glendale officer to die in the line of duty.

An account has been set up for the family of Officer Jones. You can donate at any Arizona Federal Credit Union to the Bradley Jones Memorial Fund, account number 822633.

Also, the 100 Club of Arizona said it has parovided $15,000 to Jones's family.

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