Cop kills Hopi man
Victim allegedly attempted to take officer's gun

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Diné Bureau

BLACK MESA — A 24-year-old Hopi man was shot and killed by a Kayenta officer Friday night after the man attempted to take the officer's gun during a scuffle.

The names of the man and officer were not released by Navajo Nation officials as of press time Tuesday.

According to officials, Kayenta dispatch received a call late Friday evening around 10:30 from a citizen concerned about a reckless driver who was spotted driving in the Cow Springs area. An officer was dispatched and pulled the vehicle over while it was traveling westbound on U.S. Hwy 160 in Black Mesa after he observed the driver weaving.

Officials said the officer approached the vehicle, asking for identification and proof of insurance, but shortly afterward the man "lunged" at the officer and a struggle began. During the scuffle, the man allegedly tried to remove the officer's gun from his holster. Officials said the officer had to make a split-second decision, gained control of the gun, and shot the man, who died shortly afterward. Officials said the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

"This is still under investigation," said Navajo Nation Chief Jim Benally. "It's going to be referred to outside agencies."

Benally met with Chinle District law enforcement officers, and the FBI in Kayenta on Monday morning for a debriefing of the incident.

The FBI will be taking over the case.