Phoenix Police Officer Tyler Moldovan is fighting for his life after being shot multiple times in the line of duty. This is an incredibly somber time for the Phoenix Police Department and the entire community, but even more so for Officer Moldovan’s wife and family. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts.
Just after 2:00 a.m. on December 14 , 2021, officers received multiple calls about vehicles driving erratically in the area of 19th Avenue and Camelback Road. Officers located a car matching the description of one of the vehicles parked at an apartment complex in the area of 15th Avenue and Camelback Road. There was no one in the car. As officers searched the surrounding area, Officer Moldovan found 24-year-old Essa Williams hiding behind a short wall of an apartment patio. Officer Moldavan began giving commands to Williams, who then pulled out a gun and began shooting. Officer Moldovan was struck by multiple bullets.

Other officers on the scene heard the gunfire and ran in that direction. They were able to take Williams into custody without further incident. No officers discharged their weapons. Officer Moldovan was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Williams was booked into the Maricopa County Jail for numerous charges to include Attempted 1st Degree Murder, Possession of a Weapon by Prohibited Person, and Resisting Arrest.​

The Phoenix Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough and complete investigation to ensure justice is served. We ask for the public’s patience as we piece together the remaining details of this shooting.

Officer Moldovan graduated the Phoenix Regional Police Academy in March of this year and just turned 22-years-old last month. Officer Moldovan is married, his parents and brother also live in Arizona.
This is a devastating reminder of the dangers faced by those who have chosen to protect and serve our community 24/7.

Please keep Officer Moldovan, his family, friends, and the entire Phoenix Police Department in your thoughts and prayers.

Provided by Phoenix.gov