At approximately 12 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, a uniformed Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) State Trooper was on duty in a fully marked patrol vehicle, patrolling in the area of westbound Interstate 10 near Park Avenue in Tucson. The trooper observed a female, later identified as 41-year-old Tucson resident Robin Rae Budelli, walking on the right shoulder of the interstate.  I-10 is a controlled access highway and pedestrians are restricted in this area. The trooper stopped the patrol vehicle to make contact with Budelli.

Shortly after the trooper exited the vehicle, Budelli pulled a large butcher-style knife out of her purse, raised it above her head, and charged at the trooper while the trooper was approaching. The trooper subsequently shot the assailant, ending the attack. The trooper immediately called for emergency medical services to respond and began rendering life-saving measures until additional assistance arrived.

Budelli was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

The State Trooper was not injured.

The AZDPS Major Incident Division is investigating this incident.

Video from this incident is available here: https://youtu.be/nkxIxjYOiDY

--Update: Thursday, April 3, 2025--

The injured trooper was released from the hospital on Wednesday night and is recuperating at home.

The driver of the Dodge Ram has been identified as Andrii Mykhailivk of Brooklyn, New York.

This investigation is ongoing.

--Preliminary Information: Wednesday, April 2, 2025--

At approximately 7:30 p.m. today, April 2, 2025, an AZDPS Highway Patrol State Trooper was parked on the right shoulder of westbound Interstate 10 in the area of milepost 117 in Buckeye. The trooper was finishing paperwork from a non-injury collision report he had just taken and was parked approximately 20 feet off the highway on the dirt shoulder. A white Dodge Ram 3500 truck, towing a vehicle trailer with three vehicles on board, traveled off right and off the highway and collided with the trooper’s vehicle at a significant speed. As a result of the collision, the trooper’s vehicle was pushed further off right approximately 60 feet.

The trooper was transported to a hospital with possible head injuries and is currently being evaluated to determine the extent of his injuries.

The driver of the Dodge Ram was the only occupant of the at-fault vehicle and was uninjured; however, the driver has been arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol. He is currently being processed for DUI and related felony charges.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and the Cochise County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) are happy to announce the initial success of Operation Desert Guardian, a targeted enforcement detail aimed at disrupting illicit drug transportation and criminal activity within Cochise County. This operation reflects the unwavering commitment of both agencies to safeguard the community and hold criminals accountable.

During the course of Operation Desert Guardian, state troopers and deputies conducted 114 traffic stops, resulting in nine misdemeanor arrests and three felony arrests. Additionally, the operation led to the recovery of two stolen vehicles and the seizure of 4.5 grams of methamphetamine. These results highlight the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement efforts in combating drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

"The success of Operation Desert Guardian is a testament to the power of partnership in law enforcement," said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the AZDPS. "By working closely with the Cochise County Sheriff's Office, we have made significant strides in disrupting the flow of dangerous drugs and ensuring the safety of our communities. Our commitment to this mission remains unwavering."

Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels expressed his pride in the collaborative efforts, stating, "The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office is proud to partner with our state in the prevention and enforcement of those that serve to transport, distribute, and sell illicit drugs within our communities. It is no secret that the transnational criminal cartels are exploiting our country by producing and sending these deadly drugs into our country that kill thousands of Americans every year. This complementary effort by law enforcement and our state to combat these criminals is long overdue. I am proud to be an active partner regarding the 'War on Drugs' and identify, arrest, and prosecute those criminals that intentionally harm our citizens."

The success of Operation Desert Guardian thus far underscores the importance of continued partnerships between state and local law enforcement agencies. Both AZDPS and CCSO remain committed to enhancing public safety through proactive enforcement efforts and community engagement.

For more information about this operation or to report suspicious activity, please contact the AZDPS or CCSO.