Tweet of the Day: Phoenix Suns, Leandro Barbosa Honor Fallen Detective

While Pheonix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers square off Tuesday, the team and its players will be honoring a fallen police detective.

John Hobbs, 43, was a 21-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department. He and his partner, 44, were both shot while attempting to arrest an ex-convict, identified as William Thornton, for violation of probation.

According to Police Chief Daniel Garcia, Thornton, who was also a key suspect in a Feb. 25 attempted murder case, “immediately opened fire” on Hobbs and his partner—who were undercover.

Hobbs, who was hit first, fell to the ground, but continued to return fire, hitting the suspect multiple times. His partner, who was also hit, remains in hospitalized in stable condition. Neither officer was wearing a bulletproof vest, as Police Sgt. Steve Martos stated that “they didn’t have time.”

Both Suns guard Leandro Barbosa and PR director Casey Taggatz tweeted about the team’s choice to honor Detective Hobbs.

Tonight’s game lets honor @phoenixpolice Detective John Hobbs #TrueHero — Leandro Barbosa (@TheBlurBarbosa) March 4, 2014

The Phoenix @Suns will observe a moment of silence prior to tonight’s game in honor of fallen @phoenixpolice Detective John Hobbs. #TrueHero

— Casey Taggatz (@caseytaggatz) March 4, 2014

Hobbs leaves behind a wife and three children.

Sgt. Martos described Hobbs’ effort as “heroic, absolutely heroic.” He also said that Hobbs was “absolutely loved by everyone,” and “he will be greatly missed.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out with those of the Phoenix Suns organization for the Hobbs family and for his partner, who is still recovering.

 

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Michael writes the Tweet of the Day for SheridanHoops.com and is also a correspondent for BleacherReport.com. Follow @mbrumagin