Phoenix, Community Gather Around Family of 22-Year-Old Officer, as He Remains in Critical Condition – Opinion

Conservatives often speak out in support of our military and first responders. This includes law enforcement officers, who have been subject to abuses and threatened budget cuts by blue-state city officials and the corresponding activist governors. RedState reports that they have started to recognize the potential downsides of this in recent months.

In this season of hope, especially, it’s wonderful to see positive signs from our fellow Americans when it matters most — through their actions, not just their words. Here’s one from my hometown.

According to KTVK/KPHO, Tyler Moldovan was only a year and a half old when he joined Phoenix Police Department. In fact, he’s only been out of training and on the beat for a few months, Now, the 22-year-old police officer is fighting for his life.

On Tuesday morning, Tyler was responding to a 9-1-1 call about several “vehicles driving erratically.” But it led to a situation in which a repeat, violent offender, once cornered, appears to have decided he would try to evade arrest by pumping a hailstorm of bullets into the officer.

KTVK/KPHO:

In a press release Tuesday afternoon, Phoenix Police Sgt. Vincent Cole, says after 2 a.m. officers received multiple calls about vehicles driving erratically near 19th Avenue and Camelback Road. The description of the vehicle was the same as that found in the car, which officers discovered parked at an apartment block near 15th Avenue. Cole said that nobody was found in the car, so officers searched the surrounding area.

“Officer Moldovan found the suspect hiding behind a short wall of an apartment patio. The suspect began to fire at Officer Moldovan, and he began giving orders. Officer Moldovan was struck by multiple bullets.”

The officers were alerted to the incident and raced in the direction of the suspect. They eventually took Essa Williams (24 years old) into custody. Sgt. Cole reported that Williams’ arrest was made near to where a gun was found by investigators. Moldovan was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital where he remains in critical condition.

According to the outlet, Tyler was hit eight times including in his head.

The story continued with details from prosecutor John Schneider on Williams’ prior arrests:

According to officials, Williams was on probation and had been convicted of nine felonies. According to Schneider, two of Williams’ felonies were for armed robbery.

“He’s heard on body camera before the crimes occurred, saying something like he was going back to jail. A short time later he shot at police presumably to avoid any apprehension,” said Schneider

None of the responding officers — including Moldovan — fired a shot at the suspect, according to reports.

Now, I promised I’d share something uplifting with you here. I didn’t forget.

The Phoenix area community, along with the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA) union, gathered Friday for a barbecue fundraiser, with everything raised going to support Tyler’s family.

With this short social media video, the police department expressed their gratitude.

Claudiu Olar was one of the attendees and spoke to KTVK/KPHO regarding what kind of young man Officer Moldovan looks like:

“He was born at the same church that we attend,” said Olar. “His grandfather was actually a founding pastor at the church. His entire family was involved. His mother is my first cousin.”

“Tyler is your all-American guy….I mean, he’s the son that every parent wants to have. He’s the total package. He’s got a positive attitude, known him as a child, very well behaved, very responsible, a hard worker, and he has the heart of a servant leader, meaning he puts others before him.”

Phoenix Police Chief Williams also shared this update on Tyler’s condition:

“His condition remains the same,” said Chief Williams. “We’re hopeful. He’s still alive, and that’s a blessing. He’s a fighter. He’s resilient. He’s tenacious. I think in his heart of hearts he knows he has all the support in the world, not just from the police department but from our community as well.”

Anybody who wants to support Tyler and his family can show their support by sending an email. pleacharities.org.

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