Rookie Arizona Trooper In Training Shot, Killed In Avondale

AVONDALE, AZ — A rookie Arizona state trooper — who was still in training — was shot to death in Avondale on Wednesday night and a second trooper was also shot during a fight with a suspect along Interstate 10. Tyler Edenhofer, who graduated from the Department of Public Safety academy in May, was killed in the shooting around 10 p.m. Wednesday, Col. Frank Milstead announced at a news conference Thursday morning. DPS troopers were called to the scene after receiving several reports of an erratic driver on I-10 eastbound near Avondale Boulevard, ABC15 reported.

Milstead said someone was throwing things at vehicles. A fight ensued lasting multiple minutes when troopers showed up and tried to talk to the suspect. The suspect grabbed the trooper's gun and got off at least two shots, One killed Edenhofer. The other hit a second trooper in the shoulder.

A third trooper was hurt during the struggle.

"I'm incredibly proud of the men and women who show up to do this job every day. They're brave enough to come out and face the unknown," Milstead said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photo credit: Renee Schiavone, Patch