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Let’s face it, the men and women in law enforcement have a thankless and tireless job. They put their lives on the line daily out of a sense of duty for their common man. Many of them not only have to fight off the wolves preying on the sheep, but they also have to deal with the political wranglings of City Hall and their departmental chiefs; yet they still strap on their badges and march to the slogan of protecting and serving. Unfortunately it’s a dangerous business.
On January 28, 2010, 16-year law enforcement veteran, Lt. Eric Lewis Shuhandler, reported for duty at the Gilbert Police Department. Gilbert is a southeast suburb of Phoenix, AZ and prides itself as “actively growing and diversifying its economic base citing global-minded innovation and entrepreneurship as keys to productivity. Endowed with supportive infrastructure, ample land… Gilbert is committed to realizing sustainable, world-class business environments that are unique to the community.” On that night one of Gilbert’s finest was lost.
The video at right is from ABC Channel 15 in Phoenix.
During a routine traffic stop of Christopher Redondo, 35, and Daimen Irizarry, 30, Lt. Shuhandler suspected the two men had outstanding warrants. In released tapes of the conversation with dispatch and 911, Shuhandler states, “[Redondo/Irizarry are] not that happy to talk to me….I don’t know if it’s him or not. I’m going to pull him out of here.” A few moments later a gunshot is heard over Shuhandler’s open mic. As Redondo and Irizarry fled the scene a citizen used Shuhandler’s radio to inform dispatch that there was an officer down; others flooded 9-1-1 with calls for more police assistance and an ambulance. Two Mesa, AZ police officers, about a block away, heard the gun shot and rushed to the scene. The ensuing chase by responding officers spread over 50 miles of Arizona highway and hit speeds in excess of 100 mph. Officers reported that the suspects were throwing equipment out of their truck and damaged and immobilized several cruisers. Following an exchange of gunfire with the police, the wounded suspects were arrested and taken to the emergency room with non-life-threatening injuries.
Lt. Shuhandler was not as fortunate. The shot heard on his radio was fired from the passenger as Shuhandler approached the car. The bullet entered his head causing the fatal injury.
Since this is a recent shooting and an ongoing investigation, there will be more information released as time goes on. Questions will be raised about Shuhandler’s tactics, how 9-1-1 and dispatch responded to the “officer needs assistance” calls, and how the Gilbert Police Department can minimize an officer’s exposure to this type of ambush. I’ll avoid playing Monday-morning-quarterback, but even early on we can learn a few things about this tragic incident. According to Shuhandler’s own words—and inflection in his voice—he’s very suspicious about the actions of the two suspects. They aren’t “happy to talk” to Shuhandler. If you are pulled over by the police, you normally aren’t happy to talk to them either; it usually means you’re getting a ticket. But you’re certainly not giving off the vibe that the officer’s life is in danger. Something about Redondo and Irizarry caused Shuhandler to pay extra attention, to the point of comment into the microphone. Second, he believes the suspects may have outstanding warrants. If there are warrants, the routine traffic stop may turn into an arrest and the rules of the game become a little more tenuous. Third, these suspects have the officer outnumbered two to one. Shuhandler is hearing that small voice in his head calling attention to a potentially volatile situation.
There were apparently two officers in the vicinity that may have been able to offer assistance to Shuhandler. Waiting on back-up to arrive would have taken some additional time, but time was certainly on the side of the engaged officer. If Shuhandler could have waited on the warrant check and for backup to arrive before removing the passenger from the vehicle, the events could have been altered for this veteran.
Hindsight is always 20/20. It is ridiculous to comment on how I would handle this situation from the safety and comfort of my keyboard. The primary lesson can be seen in Lt. Shuhandler’s comments to dispatch. He knew something was amiss. We too have that sixth-sense—if you want to call it that—where we have a perception of danger trying to flank us. While things may be out of place, our early warning system tells us there is something happening that is more than just “out of place” and we need to pay closer attention to it. What we choose to do about that alarm in our head is where things can go incredibly right, or horribly wrong.
The other lesson is that it is often better to wait for help. There is a directive that we should keep in the back of our collective minds. The First Rule of Gunfighting says, “Bring a gun. Preferably, bring at least two guns. Bring all your friends who have guns.” For private citizens, we normally avoid intra-personal conflicts that require gunplay. Most of us would rather walk away from a fight than be hauled off to jail for disturbing the peace (or worse). Law enforcement goes looking for the trouble. The First Rule of Gunfighting is just as important for them as for John Q. Citizen. Men will chuckle to themselves when ladies go to a public restroom in pairs. Guys, hopefully I can keep my Man-card for saying this, but it isn’t a bad idea! Don’t go anywhere alone if you can avoid it. Women have apparently learned this lesson over the centuries, and we’re too stubborn to be cautious! If you find yourself in a situation that you can’t disengage from, it’s better to have a friend with you who can help guard your back and you guard his.
There will undoubtedly be more to come from this tragedy in Gilbert, AZ. The toll it will take on Lt. Shuhandler’s two daughters will be heavy as they grow up with the memory of a fallen hero. The best we can do is to stay vigilant to uphold justice and mercy, keep a watchful eye out for the dregs of society, and if you are so led, contribute to the charities that support the families of fallen officers. If you would like to send a contribution to Lt. Eric Lewis Shuhandler’s family, please contact the Gilbert Police Department at the following address:
Gilbert Police Department
75 E. Civic Center Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Phone: (480) 503-6500
If you are considering a Texas-based charity, you may contact your local police department or the Peace Officers Memorial Foundation.