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Ariz. Sheriff's Deputy killed

Biographical Info

Age: 30

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Officer Graham was struck and killed by a truck while struggling with a man he was trying to arrest.

Date of Incident: August 10, 2005

Suspect Info: The suspect was also hit and killed by the truck.

Associated Press

TUCSON, Ariz. - Pima County sheriff's officials on Thursday mourned the death of a deputy who was struck and killed by a truck while struggling with a man he was trying to arrest.

Deputy Timothy David Graham, 30, died Wednesday evening along with a good Samaritan who was trying to help him as he grappled with the suspect, who was also killed.

"This is a very somber day," said sheriff's Capt. Rick Kastigar. "We're very saddened not only by the tragic death of our officer, but also by the tragic death of a good Samaritan who tried to help our officer. We are also deeply troubled that the suspect died. This has affected each of us to the soul."

Authorities said Graham went to a Circle K after a 911 call reported a "crazed man" at the store. Graham fought with the man and ended up in a wide median.

Cab driver Dawud Isa Abusida, 56, who saw the deputy's struggle, parked his car and ran to help.

All three men fell into the street during the struggle and were hit by a pickup truck. They all died at the scene.

A makeshift memorial including silk roses was put up at the intersection by Thursday morning. A lone white rose was also taped to a road reflector near the Circle K driveway.

The suspect's name was being withheld until family members could be notified.

The suspect had called 911 three times Wednesday night.

Deputies have "an extensive history with this individual, criminal history as well as mental-health issues," Kastigar said.

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