On a late Sunday afternoon in Phoenix, Arizona, Commander Greg Scott Carnicle, a 56-year-old veteran of the police force, responded to what would be his final call. It was March 29, 2020, and the call was for a domestic disturbance involving roommates at an apartment complex near 40th Drive and Pinnacle Peak Street. With 31 years of service to the Phoenix Police Department, Commander Carnicle was a seasoned officer, just months away from a well-deserved retirement.
Upon arrival,
Commander Carnicle, along with two other officers, made contact with one of the individuals inside the residence. They were in the process of speaking with the man when the situation took a sudden and violent turn. Without warning, the man drew a firearm and opened fire on the officers. All three were struck by the gunfire. The peaceful quiet of the neighborhood was shattered by the chaos that erupted.
Tragically, Commander Carnicle's injuries proved to be fatal. He was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The other two officers who were shot sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The man responsible for the deadly assault was later shot and killed by tactical units who had responded to the scene as they attempted to take him into custody. Commander Carnicle, a dedicated public servant, left behind a wife and four children.
