Sheriff Hughes shot while on patrol

By Jon Johnson
Assistant Editor
Published on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 9:19 AM MST

Outgoing Graham County Sheriff Frank Hughes was shot Monday evening after checking on a vehicle that was pulled over on the side of Safford/Bryce road.

Undersheriff Dwayne Elders told the Courier that Hughes was on patrol when he encountered a dark-colored sedan occupied by a male and a female between 11:30 p.m. and 12 a.m. Elders said the sheriff performs patrol duty at times due to a shortage of available deputies.

The car was parked on the side of Safford/Bryce Road west of Reay Lane near Watson Wash. Hughes told Elders the sedan had its trunk open as if the occupants were changing a tire.

As Hughes approached the sedan, the unknown male exited the vehicle with a shotgun and pointed it at the sheriff’s head. A scuffle ensued and Hughes was able to lower the barrel of the gun before being shot.

The pellets were absorbed by Hughes’ body armor and did not penetrate him. Hughes was able to return fire as the force of the blast knocked him back. He then apparently lost consciousness after striking his head, and the suspects fled the scene in the sedan.

A passing motorist noticed Hughes lying on the ground near his patrol vehicle and called authorities on the sheriff’s radio around 12 a.m., according to Elders.

Hughes was transported to the Mount Graham Regional Medical Center for treatment and was listed as being in good condition Tuesday morning.

“He’s doing well,” hospital public affairs officer Ryan Rapier said.

The Department of Public Safety’s special investigation unit is assisting the Graham County Sheriff’s Office in its investigation of the shooting. According to Elders, Hughes was unable to report a license plate number due to the car’s trunk being open.

The Courier was unable to talk to Hughes before press time. Anyone with information can call 428-3141.

Print this story Email this story Post A Comment

Comments

5 comment(s)

Bill Richardson wrote on Dec 18, 2008 8:54 AM:

" Frank Hughes is one of the greatest guys to ever walk the streets of Safford. For those of us who fondly look from afar at the Gila Valley, it has been nice to know that our (and I mean OUR) community has been watched over by such a fine individual. Thanks Frank, for putting the community first. Your work is tremendously appreciated. You will go down in Valley history with the likes of Skeet Bowman and others who have so very well protected and cared for the citizens of Graham County.

Bill Richardson
Mesa, AZ "

Matt wrote on Dec 13, 2008 9:23 AM:

" What I find curious is I was in Mesa the next day and that newspaper, printed a slightly different version of the story. Someone had drove by and shot at the Sheriff?Yet, neither newspaper has been able to print information concerning the identity of the two suspects. What are their desciptions? We know details of the car, yet, next to nothing otherwise.
There is only three main roads out of the area. What do we look for, what kind of clothes, height, scars or tatoos. Wasn't it nearly a full moon? Wasn't his face seen? "

GCSOdeputy wrote on Dec 12, 2008 8:40 PM:

" COme on people are you still all falling for this line of bull. I've been a Officer for 18 years and YES I have been shot before! Trust me in a situation like that you remember everything. You would remember a NAT on the suspects right ear if there was one. FISHY? YES just like everything else that Frank has done. Family crimes and drugs? Ring any bells? Why was the FBI told they were not needed? HUMM maybe they would find out the truth!! "

Mary wrote on Dec 11, 2008 9:21 PM:

" I want you all to think about this for a moment. If I just lost mycareer as Sheriff, I am not so sure I would be riding patrol at midnight trying to help people out. Frank Hughes is a genuinely nice guy. I am so thankful he wasn't hurt worse. Best Wishes to Frank and family and Merry Christmas. "

davie wrote on Dec 11, 2008 8:52 AM:

" glad to find out he is doing good!! God was watching out for him! "

WRITE A COMMENT

READER COMMENTS
* Be respectful of others, the writer and the subjects in the story.

* Be relevant. Keep your comments pertinent to the story that is being discussed.

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All reader comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The Eastern Arizona Courier is not liable for messages from third parties. IP addresses can be subpoenaed and your identity established by individuals who have been hurt by your comments.

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity: You can be prosecuted for identity theft.
* Comments unrelated to the story.

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in www.eacourier.com reader comments represent the individual's own views and not those of the Eastern Arizona Courier. The Courier does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than Eastern Arizona Courier spokespersons.

Thank you for your comments!