BUCKEYE, AZ — A second suspect has been identified in a theft that resulted in a trooper-involved shooting in the West Valley late Saturday night.
According to DPS officials, a trooper was trying to stop a Chrysler minivan heading north on Jackrabbit Trail for speeding. When the driver failed to stop, a brief pursuit followed.
The vehicle flipped near Jackrabbit Trail and Lewis Avenue and two suspects got out. Troopers used a stun gun on one of the suspects, 40-year-old Jose German, but he managed to pull out the stun gun's barbs. He later pulled out a gun and fired at the trooper, who returned fire and struck German.
Authorities say German died after the exchange of gunfire, while the second suspect, Adrian Carlos Campos, age 40, fled into the desert. Police are looking for Campos.
DPS says the incident started with Campos and German allegedly stealing an ATV from the C-A-L Ranch Store in Goodyear. They reportedly loaded the stolen ATV into the van and left before being spotted by the DPS trooper.
DPS Captain Jesse Galvez said the trooper involved in the shooting had minor injuries but did not require hospitalization.
According to DPS, German has a history of arrests, including an active felony warrant for failure to appear for sentencing due to drug-related charges and a misdemeanor warrant for driving while suspended.
Campos also has an extensive criminal history, having served a total of 13 years in prison on three occasions.
Investigators say Campos was seen by several people the next day in the crash area but has yet to be apprehended by law enforcement.
Campos has been charged with shoplifting and criminal trespassing.
DPS is asking for the public's assistance. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact DPS at 877-272-8329.
