Police Officer Erik David Hite

Police Officer Erik David Hite

Tucson Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Monday, June 2, 2008

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Erik David Hite

Police Officer Erik Hite succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day by a suspect who had wounded a Pima County Sheriff's Office deputy.

The suspect had fired a rifle into the homes of two neighbors and then fled as the first responding deputy arrived at the location. As the deputy pursued him, the suspect opened fire and wounded him.

Members of the Tucson Police Department spotted the vehicle a short time later and continued pursuing it even as the suspect continued to fire at them. The suspect then turned off of Tanque Verde Road onto Tomahawk Trail, where he stopped his vehicle and set up an ambush.

As Officer Hite turned the corner onto the street, the suspect opened fire from a distance of approximately 80 yards, striking Officer Hite in the head.

The suspect continued to flee and wounded another deputy before finally surrendering. In February 2012 he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. He won't start serving the sentence until it is determined that he is competent enough to have this commitment ended at the state hospital.

Officer Hite was a U.S. Air Force veteran and had served with the Tucson Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife, adult son, 1-year-old daughter, and parents.

Bio

  • Age 43
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge 46584
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Sunday, June 1, 2008
  • Weapon Rifle
  • Offender Sentenced to life

ambush

Most Recent Reflection

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O God of Peace, so many of America’s Peace Officers who are on the front lines to protect us never make it back home to their families. We pray for these fallen law enforcement officers, Lord God, who gave their lives for us. We pray for the families of these heroes, who have to now endure life without their loved one. Lord God, society tries to move forward, but there is always bloodshed occurring. We approach Your throne of glory and grace to beg of You for peace. Lord God, bring peace to this land – the United States of America. We plead for Your divine intervention to quiet our hearts and unify our communities. Stop the violence that occurs amid our cities. We thank You for all America’s Peace Officers who have died protecting us, and ask that You send an everlasting peace so that America’s Peace Officers on the streets may be safe and return home to their loved ones at the end of their assigned shifts. In Christ Jesus, Your blessed Son, I pray. Amen.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

July 22, 2023

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