One shot went through Officer Meeske’s forearm, another shot hit Officer Meeske in the left leg, and the third shot hit the back of Officer Meeske’s vest.
After shooting the officer, Archuleta left him bleeding on the side of the road and fled north on State Route 87. Officer Meeske was able to return to his patrol car and radio for help. Officer Meeske then drove himself to the Payson hospital and walked into the Emergency Room.
DPS Highway Patrol Officer Robert Derango, on his very first day as a solo patrol officer, heard the initial call for help from Officer Meeske and saw Archuleta speed through a red light in downtown Payson. Officer Derango immediately began to pursue Archuleta reaching speeds of up to 100 miles-per-hour.
Officers from the Payson Police Department and a deputy from the Gila County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit. After 40 miles, Archuleta drove off the road and into a ditch near milepost 289. Archuleta shot at officers after getting out of his car, and officers with the Payson Police Department and the Gila County Sheriff’s Office returned fire.
Archuleta was found with what was believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Officers gave Archuleta first aid and a Department of Public Safety Air Rescue helicopter landed to help. A DPS Officer/Medic pronounced Archuleta deceased at the scene.
Officer Meeske was airlifted to Banner Good Samaritan Hospital where he underwent surgery over night. Officer Meeske is doing well and in good spirits.
“Words fail me in describing the incredible bravery and presence of mind exhibited by Officer Seth Meeske during this incident,” said Robert Halliday, Director of DPS. “He is alive today because of his quick thinking after being shot numerous times. The men and women of DPS have a very difficult job and perform it with courage every day. As we have seen too many times, it is dangerous work. My thanks to the Gila County Sheriff’s Department and the Payson Police Department for their assistance in this investigation. I would like to commend the excellent response by DPS Officer Robert Derango who had just completed his law enforcement training. All of us at DPS pray for a speedy recovery for Officer Meeske. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”