TUCSON, Ariz. — Authorities have identified the Tucson police officer who confronted and shot the suspect accused of wounding nine people during a mass shooting in downtown Tucson on July 19, 2026.
According to the Pima Regional Critical Incident Team (PRCIT), Officer Tanner Wolverton, a seven-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department (TPD), was the officer who engaged the armed suspect after patrol officers heard gunfire while working in the Downtown District at approximately 2:00 a.m.
Incident Overview
According to investigators, officers on foot patrol heard multiple gunshots near the 100 block of East Congress Street and immediately responded toward the sound of the gunfire.
Investigators said Officer Wolverton observed a man later identified as 21-year-old David Leroy French running while armed with a handgun. Numerous civilians were reportedly in the suspect’s path.
Authorities said Wolverton issued commands ordering French to drop the weapon. According to PRCIT, the suspect did not comply.
Investigators reported that Officer Wolverton then fired his department-issued firearm, striking the suspect. Officers immediately took the suspect into custody and began rendering first aid until additional emergency personnel arrived.
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Nine Victims Wounded
According to investigators, the shooting began following a verbal confrontation on the sidewalk before French allegedly produced a handgun and fired multiple rounds.
Authorities reported:
- Nine people sustained gunshot wounds.
- The suspect was also wounded during the officer-involved shooting.
- Tucson Police officers and Tucson Fire Department personnel treated victims at the scene.
- All nine victims were transported to local hospitals.
- Authorities have stated all victims are expected to survive.
Police Chief Monica Prieto later stated that many of the victims had already been released from the hospital as they continued recovering.
Criminal Charges
According to Tucson Police, French has been booked in absentia into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex on the following charges:
- Nine counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Nine counts of Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Physical Injury
- One count of Discharging a Firearm at a Structure
Authorities have stated that additional charges remain possible as the investigation continues.
French is expected to be transferred to the Pima County Adult Detention Complex following his release from the hospital. Court records indicate he has since made an initial court appearance from his hospital bed and has been ordered held without bond pending further proceedings.
Investigations Underway
The incident remains under multiple investigations.
According to authorities:
- The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the criminal investigation through the Pima Regional Critical Incident Team (PRCIT).
- The officer-involved shooting investigation is also being handled through PRCIT protocols.
- The Tucson Police Department is conducting a separate administrative review to determine whether department policies were followed.
No findings regarding the officer’s actions have been publicly released.
Public Assistance Requested
Authorities continue seeking information related to the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900 or submit anonymous tips through 88-CRIME.
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Current Status
- Officer Tanner Wolverton has been publicly identified as the officer involved.
- Nine shooting victims are expected to survive, with many reportedly released from the hospital.
- David Leroy French remains charged with 19 felony offenses, with additional charges possible.
- Criminal and administrative investigations remain ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the officer involved?
Authorities identified the officer as Officer Tanner Wolverton, a seven-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department.
How many people were injured?
According to investigators, nine civilians sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. The suspect was also wounded after being shot by the responding officer.
Why did the officer fire?
According to PRCIT, the suspect allegedly refused commands to drop his firearm while running through an area occupied by numerous bystanders. Investigators state the officer then discharged his weapon.
What charges does the suspect face?
Authorities have announced 19 felony charges, including aggravated assault and firearm-related offenses. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.
Who is investigating?
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the criminal investigation through the Pima Regional Critical Incident Team, while the Tucson Police Department is conducting a separate administrative review.
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