HOLBROOK, AZ — An Arizona man and woman are in police custody after a trooper-involved shooting in northern Arizona Sunday night.
Department of Public Safety officials say the incident started around 9 p.m. when a trooper pulled over an SUV on US 191, north of Interstate 40, for a traffic violation.
Officials say during the stop, the trooper realized the female driver, Patrish James, 30, was impaired. As the trooper was taking James into custody, her male passenger, 33-year-old Craig D. Ben, of the Navajo Nation, moved to the driver’s seat and took off.
The trooper was able to locate Ben on a road nearby. Officials say Ben then drove the SUV at the trooper, intentionally ramming the trooper’s patrol vehicle. Ben then turned and drove at the trooper, causing the trooper to fear for his life and fire his gun at Ben, who was not hit.
Ben fled for a second time and was eventually captured and taken into DPS custody.
DPS officials say Ben has a history with law enforcement, racking up multiple charges such as: aggravated assault, resisting arrest, aggravated robbery, theft, soliciting prostitution, and driving under the influence.
Troopers say James, was booked into jail for aggravated DUI, and also has a history with police.
Officials say the trooper involved is on paid administrative leave, which is standard operating procedure.
