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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Authorities say a northern Arizona police officer killed over the weekend was shot repeatedly at close range by a domestic violence suspect after calmly asking the man if he could pat him down for any weapons.
Flagstaff Officer Tyler J. Stewart, who was 24, died Saturday at Flagstaff Medical Center shortly after being shot multiple times.
Police say the suspect, 28-year-old Robert W. Smith, then fatally shot himself.
The investigation is still ongoing. Authorities say Smith was arrested in 2009 by Flagstaff police for a domestic violence incident.
Meanwhile, hundreds gathered at a candlelight vigil on Sunday evening outside the Flagstaff Police Department at the agency's Officer Down Memorial Statue.
A makeshift memorial of flowers, candles and balloons is growing larger as members of the community add to it. Children are using chalk to draw pictures and to write messages of thanks for the officers.
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