Governor Hobbs’ signing of SB1503 is a meaningful and necessary step forward for Arizona’s public safety community. This legislation rightly recognizes that the pilots who serve alongside our troopers, often in the most critical, life-saving moments, are first responders in every sense of the word.

For the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), this change is deeply personal. Earlier this year, we lost one of our own, Aviation Supervisor Robert Skankey, a dedicated pilot who served with courage and distinction. While no law can ease that loss, this action ensures that his service, and the service of those who continue to take to the air in support of our mission, is fully recognized.

Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the AZDPS, added: “We are grateful to Governor Hobbs and the Legislature for their leadership, and for ensuring that those who protect our communities from the air are honored equally with those who serve on the ground. At AZDPS, we remain committed to taking care of our own, both in life and in loss.”

At approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, a road rage incident escalated into a shooting near Interstate 10 and 32nd Street in Phoenix. During the encounter, a male suspect in a Dodge Charger shot at the victim driver of a Chevrolet Malibu and inadvertently struck his own vehicle before fleeing the scene.

The victim pursued the suspect off of I-10 while calling 911. As the suspect fled, he drove off the roadway and crashed, causing his vehicle to overturn. Shortly after, the victim’s vehicle also left the roadway and collided with the overturned vehicle.

After the crash, the suspect exited his vehicle and robbed the victim. Phoenix Police Department officers arrived on the scene shortly after and took the suspect into custody. A firearm believed to have been used in the incident was recovered in nearby landscaping. The suspect and evidence were turned over to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Major Crimes Unit for further investigation.

The suspect, 18-year-old Eder Soto Torres, of Phoenix, was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on multiple charges, including drive-by shooting, aggravated assault, and armed robbery. He is being held on a $100,000 bond. The investigation is ongoing.

Road Rage Safety

AZDPS encourages all motorists to prioritize safety when confronted with extremely aggressive driving or road rage:

• Do not engage with road rage. Avoid making gestures, shouting, tailgating, etc.
• Create distance between your vehicle and the other driver when safely possible.
• Call 911 as soon as you can do so safely. Report details such as license plate, vehicle make and model, and driver/occupant descriptions.
• If safe to do so, document the incident using a dash camera or with help from a passenger.

Road safety is our priority. Keep your cool, avoid confrontations, and call 911 if you feel unsafe.

On Thursday, March 12, 2026, detectives with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) State Gang Task Force arrested six suspects in the area of Camelback Road and 35th Avenue in Phoenix. The arrests followed an ongoing investigation into suspected drug trafficking.

During the operation, detectives seized approximately 4.4 pounds of suspected fentanyl powder and an AR15 rifle equipped with a drum magazine. The suspects—five adults and one juvenile—face charges including possession of a narcotic drug for sale. Five of the suspects are documented transnational gang members.

This case demonstrates the strong, coordinated efforts of the State Gang Task Force. Detectives’ work led to the removal of dangerous drugs and a high-capacity weapon from the community.

The Department is grateful for the support provided by our law enforcement partners throughout this investigation.