Kingman, Arizona (AZDPS / Press Release) — On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, the suspect involved in an April 2022 trooper-involved shooting was found guilty on eleven charges by a jury. The charges include attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault on law enforcement.
The incident took place on April 1, 2022, when Public Safety Detective Donald Shed attempted to pull over a BMW sedan driver in Kingman for failing to stop at a stop sign. The driver, later identified as 48-year-old Juan Manuel Rodriguez, refused to yield and a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, Rodriguez tried to ram Shed’s vehicle. Eventually, Rodriguez lost control and Shed collided with the front of his car. Shed, fearing for his safety, drew his duty pistol and initiated a high-risk traffic stop. However, Rodriguez did not obey commands and began reaching under the dashboard of his vehicle.
As the BMW started to reverse, Shed, concerned about being rammed again, sat back in his patrol vehicle. Rodriguez, wielding a full-automatic weapon, began shooting at Shed as captured by the body worn camera footage. Shed fired back and attempted to flee the area to protect himself.
During the pursuit, Rodriguez’s vehicle struck Shed’s vehicle once again. While fleeing, Rodriguez continued shooting at the rear of the police vehicle. Shed returned fire through his back window. Unfortunately, Shed was hit in the back by a round fired from the pursuing BMW. The two vehicles eventually separated, and Shed managed to find a safe location to seek medical attention. Shed was then transported by a Mohave County Deputy to a local hospital, where he received treatment and was later released.
Rodriguez, who was also wounded in the gun battle, drove to a nearby desert area where the BMW became disabled. An AZDPS Ranger helicopter crew tracked Rodriguez and observed him depositing a bag in a wash before heading towards the nearby Mohave County Community College campus. However, Rodriguez collapsed before reaching the school buildings. He was detained without further incident and taken to a hospital for treatment before being booked into jail.
Upon recovering the bag that Rodriguez attempted to conceal in the desert, authorities discovered $34,504 in cash, over 11 grams of fentanyl, and 10 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, five firearms, including a fully automatic handgun and Uzi, were found, along with multiple drug ledgers and additional cash.
On July 19th, a jury found Rodriguez guilty of eleven charges, which included attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, possession of narcotic drugs for sale, possession of dangerous drugs for sale, unlawful flight, money laundering, and several counts of aggravated assault, drive-by shooting, discharging a firearm at a non-residential structure, and misconduct involving weapons.
This case highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face while protecting their communities. Detective Donald Shed demonstrated bravery and quick thinking in a life-threatening situation. The successful prosecution of Juan Manuel Rodriguez sends a strong message that violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated.
The actions of Detective Shed and the AZDPS Major Incident Division (MID) exemplify the commitment and professionalism of Arizona’s law enforcement agencies in upholding public safety. Their dedication to investigating and prosecuting criminals ensures that justice is served and the communities they serve remain secure.
Incidents like these underscore the importance of maintaining vigilance and support for law enforcement personnel, who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve. Recognizing their sacrifices and providing them with the necessary resources and support is crucial in fostering a safer environment for everyone.
As we move forward, it is vital that the community remains united against crime and supports the efforts of law enforcement agencies in their mission to keep our cities and towns safe. Together, we can create a harmonious society where citizens and law enforcement officers can work together to prevent, detect, and prosecute criminal activities effectively.
