PHOENIX — A person of interest in the deaths of his mother and stepfather, who were Arizona Rangers, was killed Tuesday in a shootout with police in Missouri, authorities announced Wednesday.
Francis Alcantar Chavez, 23, is the son of 53-year-old Cynthia Templeton, who was shot dead along with her husband, 62-year-old Troy Templeton, in northern Arizona.
The Templetons were found dead Sunday when police conducted a welfare check at their home in Taylor, a Navajo County town about about 180 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix.
Within hours, authorities identified Alcantar Chavez as a person of interest in the homicides, according to the Snowflake Taylor Police Department.
How was person of interest in deaths of Arizona Rangers located in Missouri?
Police issued a nationwide stop and hold bulletin on the person of interest and his vehicle. Around 6 p.m. Tuesday, the vehicle was spotted and pursued by police in Concordia, Missouri.
“After losing sight later that evening, the Missouri State Police troopers located the vehicle and engaged in a pursuit. Francis’ vehicle eventually ran into a trooper’s patrol vehicle,” Snowflake Taylor Police Lt. Derick Ortiz said in a video posted to social media Wednesday night.
Alcantara Chavez, who was armed with a handgun, then fled on foot with troopers in pursuit.
During the chase, he shot one of the troopers in a bullet-resistant vest, police said.
“Troopers returned fire, striking Francis. Francis Alcantara Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene,” Ortiz said.
The trooper who was shot is expected to make a full recovery from minor injuries.
What did the Templetons do as Arizona Rangers?
Cynthia Templeton was a lieutenant and Troy Templeton was a ranger with the Arizona Rangers – Show Low Company.
The Arizona Rangers are a uniformed volunteer unit that assists federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
“This is a tragic loss for the community and the Arizona Rangers. We wish to thank police Chief (Robert) Martin and all of the agencies and officers involved in this investigation,” Col. Barry J. Adams, state commander of the Arizona Rangers, said in a statement Monday.
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