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Car thieves shot after ramming Luke AFB gate

by Jim Cross/KTAR (February 23rd, 2010 @ 8:28am)

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Two men were shot by military police after they rammed a stolen car through a gate at Luke Air Force Base.

One suspect died.

Authorities said they did not believe the incident was an act of terrorism.

The car thieves rammed the "Lightning Gate" at the base, near Litchfield Road and Glendale Avenue, about 11 p.m. Monday, said Air Force Capt. Jerry Gonzalez.

"Once they were inside, our security forces confronted them, set up a road block and tried to stop them," Gonzalez said. "When they charged toward the roadblock, our security forces opened fire on them."

Tuesday morning, the smashed car set on a bridge above Litchfield Road near one of Luke's giant water towers. Investigators surrounded the wrecked vehicle.

Gonzalez said it had not been determined whether a gunshot or crash injuries killed the one suspect.

He said base security acted swiftly.

"In a post 9-11 world, if somebody comes in, our mission is basically to protect our base and protect our people. So security forces were engaged immediately."

Luke is the world's largest training base for the F-16 fighter jet.


Last 5 Comments

  • Reply Abuse Vote
    Stolen car
    Ronald M
    They said that the woman whose car was stolen had just bought it the previous day after saving nearly 3 years to buy it. She is a single mother and dependent on public transportation. It would be nice if the guys on base would each chip in one buck apiece to help her get another vehicle. As would the people here who have been commenting on the situation. Just saying!
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    How stupid do you gotta be
    Larry in Glendale
    to try and ram a gate at a military installation? You may as well throw on a robe and yell JIHAD JIHAD JIHAD while you're driving past the guards!
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    WTG LUKE AFB
    amishquilt
    you did what you had to do ...ignore the bleeding hearts who wanted you to serve tofu sandwiches to the low lifes who crashed the gates then all hold hands and sing kombayah
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    The military follows laws
    Georgina M
    separate from local LE. Police have the authority to fire on a suspect to protect themselves and the lives of others, but not during evasion. The military on the other hand, have the authority to fire on anyone, armed or unarmed, attempting to enter any military installation or building. There's difference between public safety and national security, laws can be more aggressive in the latter. Too bad both of these yahoos didn't get the Darwin Award. Good for Luke AFB.
  • Reply Abuse Vote
    thomas....
    Cummins40
    dont get all nerdy on us. dork
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