The Maricopa County office said in the newsletters that on May 9, 2024 that Devonte Thornton, aged 31, was sentenced to serve 14 years in prison for his deliberate attack on two Phoenix Police officers in 2022. Thornton pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault, a class two dangerous felony, in April of this year and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
The Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said “ The officers were inches away from death” “We know that the work of a police officer is dangerous as they put themselves in harm’s way, but this was not just being in harm’s way; this was an attempt against their lives.”
The incident occurred on March 13, 2022, when Officers Alex Kofsky and Hayden Heigel were conducting an arrest warrant operation. The officers were led to an apartment building by the driver they were tailing. Suddenly, Thornton stepped out of the apartment complex and opened fire. Eighteen shell casings were recovered at the scene, painting a chilling picture of the ambush.
Officer Heigel, who was the passenger, was hit by one of the bullets in his right arm, while Officer Kofsky suffered an injury in his left eye due to shattering glass from the bullet. Despite their injuries, both officers survived the attack.
Thornton was arrested later that day. He had two felony convictions in Missouri and a penchant for going after police. This was not his first encounter with law enforcement, but it was certainly his most violent.
In April 2023, Thornton pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated that the officers were inches away from death and that this was an attempt against their lives. The prosecutor Dan Fisher emphasized that this was an ambush attack on uniformed police officers who could have easily been killed.
The sentencing of Thornton brings some closure to this case, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day. The bravery and resilience of Officers Kofsky and Heigel are commendable, and their recovery is a testament to their strength and dedication to their duty.
This case underscores the need for continued support and protection for our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. As Thornton begins his prison sentence, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by those who wear the badge and the price they are willing to pay to uphold the law.
Thornton had a previous felony conviction from Missouri which made him a prohibited possessor at the time of the offense.
*In Arizona, a convicted felon may not possess a firearm. Persons who do so are referred to as ‘prohibited possessors.’