Manhunt ongoing for suspects who killed TPD recruit, injured PCSD corrections officer

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Authorities are looking for two suspects after a police recruit was killed and a corrections officer was wounded in a home invasion near Valencia and SR 86/Ajo Highway in Pima County early Wednesday, Aug. 19.

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The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said deputies responded to reports of a shooting at a home in the 7700 block of South Enchanted Spring Drive around 6 a.m.

Deputies arrived and found 23-year-old Carlos Ramirez, a Tucson Police Department recruit, dead from a gunshot wound. Ramirez was a former PCSD corrections officer.

Ramirez’s fiancée, a current PCSD corrections officer, was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

“This is this does reach all of us,” said Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. “These members of my department, the members of the Tucson Police Department, their family members are also members of the Department of Public Safety who is also here in support. I can’t do this without the support of others. It’s tough on our teams but I appreciate whatever the community can give us to help us get through this.”

“This is a tragic event and a tremendous loss for our community, the city, our department, said Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto. “Our efforts are focused on assisting family members and our staff as we get through this difficult time. We plead with the public if they have any information to please report it to 911.”

Detectives are looking for two suspects described as Hispanic men wearing all-black clothing and ski masks. The suspect vehicle may be a gray 2007-2013 Acura MDX. The vehicle may be missing its fuel door.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS REACT

The owner of Rosita Coffee Company, a coffee cart in Tucson, said the woman shot was her sister and that she was pregnant.

She claimed the shooting was not random, and also said her sister and fiancé have other children.

Stacey Marshall Jr., a former University of Arizona football player who may have been in the academy with the victim, posted a message about Ramirez.

“You would annoy me, but all you were doing was trying to hold me accountable and make me better,” Marshall said of Ramirez. “Your demeanor, the way you spoke, and your officer presence would’ve made you a great cop. You will forever live on.”

NEIGHBORS NERVOUS FOLLOWING ATTACK

13 News’ Kayla Butter spoke to other homeowners in the area of the shooting, and they were both heartbroken and nervous following the shooting.

Some said they worry the shooting will paint their neighborhood in a bad light and could lead to more crime.

But they told Kayla they have been trying to help law enforcement by offering information and security video.

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Some told Kayla they didn’t know about the incident until deputies knocked on their doors in the morning looking for leads.

“Like right around 6 a.m., me and my kids just heard a bunch of sirens – sadly looked out the window and could see just a ton of sheriffs and fire, ambulances coming through – very alarming,” said Laura De La Torre, who lives in the area.

Others told 13 News that the law enforcement presence is just not something they are used to in the Star Valley Neighborhood.

One resident who did not want to go on camera told Kayla they moved to the area specifically because she thought it would be safer.

She said she now feels unsafe, especially because the suspects have not been caught and she has a kid who comes home late due to school and work.

“Well, nervous – nervous because you don’t know what to expect. Are they gonna come back?” she said.

TUCSON POLICE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT

The Tucson Police Department released the following statement about Ramirez’s death:

“The Tucson Police Department is deeply saddened by the passing of Carlos Ramirez, a member of Basic Recruit Class 26-1. Carlos was fatally shot early this morning. His fiancée was also injured and is currently receiving medical care. Our thoughts are with Carlos’s family and loved ones, his fiancée, and his classmates, instructors, and academy staff during this difficult time.”

“Carlos had completed 23 weeks of training at the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center. He was scheduled to graduate from the academy on August 27, 2026. His passing is deeply felt by his classmates and the entire TPD family.”

“The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is investigating this incident. The Tucson Police Department remains in contact with the Sheriff’s Department, is closely following developments, and is prepared to provide assistance. We will share additional information as appropriate and as it is released by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.”

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