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Officer in critical condition after being shot in Verde Valley; suspect at large

The shooting happened around 7:50 p.m. near Camp Verde in the area of Cherry Creek Road and Highway 260.

CAMP VERDE, Ariz. — A police officer with the Yavapai-Apache Police Department was flown to a Phoenix hospital Wednesday night after they were shot during an incident in Yavapai County. 

The shooting reportedly happened near Camp Verde in the area of Cherry Creek Road and Highway 260 around 7:50 p.m.

According to officials from the Yavapai-Apache Nation, Officer Preston Brogdon is in critical, but stable condition and the suspect is still on the loose.

Police said officers from the Yavapai-Apache Police Department responded to a shots fired call in Camp Verde Wednesday night. Once they arrived, a male subject exited a vehicle, fled on foot and began shooting at the officers.

The FBI has identified a person who may be able to provide information on the shooting and is asking for the public’s help in locating 39-year-old Valentin Rodriguez. He is a Hispanic male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, about 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

On Friday, FBI officials said a federal arrest warrant has been issued for Rodriguez. According to an update from the FBI, Rodriguez allegedly opened fire on two Yavapai-Apache Police officers responding to the call for shots fired. 

Credit: FBI
FBI wants to question Valentin Rodriguez, 39, a Hispanic male who is 5’9”, about 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

The FBI is offering a reward up to $5,000 for info that leads to the location, arrest, conviction and sentencing of Rodriguez. If you or anyone you know has information about Rodriguez’s whereabouts, you are asked to contact the FBI Phoenix Field Office at (623)466-1999.

“Our tribal members are heartbroken that the sanctity of this man’s life has been so violently disrupted. I can promise that I and my staff will work ceaselessly to assist the FBI in finding this man and making sure he is brought to justice,” said Chief Nathan Huibregtse. 

Chelsey Lewis said she lives in the neighborhood near where the shooting happened. Lewis said her son didn’t go to school Thursday because of the law enforcement activity.

“From the helicopters last night,” Lewis said. “And, like I said, there were cops everywhere.”

Lewis said Rodriguez lives in her neighborhood and the kids there know him, including her son. Her son said he’s known for fixing cars and bikes and giving away things to the kids. “He is a good guy,” Lewis said.

Officer Brogdon was rushed to Deer Valley Medical Center in Phoenix for treatment. Officials said he is a five-year veteran of the Yavapai-Apache Police Department 

Yavapai Silent Witness is also offering up to a $10,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest or arrests in the case. To earn your reward if an arrest is made, you must call Yavapai Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232 or submit a tip at www.yavapaisw.com. All tips are anonymous. You never have to give your name.

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