Officer Christopher Farrar was an 18-year veteran Chandler police and killed in the line of duty. Officer Farrar was struck and killed by Jonathan Altland , 25, who had stolen a pickup truck in Pinal County the evening of April 29. Gilbert police Officer Rico Aranda was hospitalized in critical condition with a severe head injury also after also being struck by the suspect, who is in custody. Officer Rico Aranda has been with his department since July 2018. The pursuit occurred around 10:11 p.m. when a Pinal County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted a traffic stop on State Route 87 north of Eloy. The suspect vehicle fled from the deputy and fired gun shots at the deputy as he was in pursuit. The pursuit continued into Chandler where the suspect drove into the Chandler Airport runway by breaking through the city’s security gates. The suspect then fled onto the 202 San Tan Freeway driving the wrong way.” Police said the suspect then exited the freeway where he eventually crashed near the Val Vista Drive eastbound on-ramp and fled on foot into the San Tan Ford dealership lot. Pinal County deputies, Department of Public Safety troopers and Chandler and Gilbert Police surrounded the building. The suspect then stole a vehicle from the dealership and attempted to flee the lot. In doing so, the suspect hit Officer Farrar, the Gilbert officer and a car dealership janitorial employee, who walked away with minor injuries. Two DPS troopers also were injured. The troopers had non-life-threatening injuries. Three Pinal County Sheriff’s deputies and four DPS troopers shot at the suspect, injuring him. The suspect was taken into custody where he was transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Officer Farrar was acknowledged in 2010 after his agency honored him with its “Community Service Award.” In 2006, he was presented with a medal after he and another officer rescued a woman who was contemplating suicide. Officer Farrar leaves behind a daughter and two sons. and his K9 Benzo.
Jonathan Altland is facing charges of murder, aggravated assault and auto theft and being held on a 3 million dollar bond. Jonathan Altland Jr was indicted by a grand Jury on 5/14/21 on 32 charges, including first – degree murder, 20 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful flight from law enforcement, first degree burglary, endangerment, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and four counts of disorderly conduct. Altland Faces the death penelty. Altland’s trial is scheduled for Oct. 10, 2023, in Maricopa County Superior Court.
