Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Arizona
End of Watch: Sunday, January 8, 2012
Age: 50
Tour of Duty: 20 years
Badge Number: 977
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 8, 2012
Weapon Used: Rifle
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Deputy Sheriff William Coleman was shot and killed while responding to a burglary call in Anthem at approximately 4:15 am.
As he and another deputy arrived at the scene they encountered a male subject inside of a van at a medical building near the intersection of Anthem Way and Gavilan Peak Parkway. As they attempted to make contact with the man he opened fire on them with a rifle, striking Deputy Coleman below his vest. The suspect was killed by return gunfire from other deputies.
Deputy Coleman was transported to John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
Deputy Coleman had served with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for 20 years. He is survived by his wife, four children, his father, and four siblings.