In the autumn of 1983, a dedicated police officer's life was tragically cut short during a routine training exercise. Russell Lowell Duncan, a 28-year-old White/Caucasian male, was serving with the Apache Junction Police Department in Arizona. He had been with the department for about five months, having previously served with the Michigan State Police for over five years.
On November 9, 1983, Officer Duncan was participating in a felony stop and arrest training scenario at Central
Arizona College in Coolidge. To provide a realistic experience for his fellow officers, Duncan was playing the role of a suspect. During the exercise, another officer, who was using his duty weapon, accidentally discharged a live round. The weapon had not been properly cleared of its ammunition prior to the training drill.
The single shot proved to be fatal for Officer Duncan. His death was officially ruled an accidental shooting. As the incident was deemed a tragic accident, no arrests were made, and there were no criminal suspects. The law enforcement community mourned the loss of a dedicated officer who was survived by his wife and three daughters.
