The Jerome Police Department responded to an incident involving a 65-year-old male subject in the parking lot of Jerome Town Hall at 2:33 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, according to JPD Sgt. Nicole Florisi.
At 7:02 p.m. Friday, July 4, JPD officially identified the man as Thomas Edward West, a 65-year-old resident of Dewey.
West had come to Town Hall to speak with the judge regarding a civil matter, Florisi stated. West appeared visibly upset after being informed that the judge was unable to address his concerns. During the interaction, West reportedly made anti-government statements, expressed suicidal ideation as well as remarks about completing suicide by cop.
According to court records, West had been issued a citation by JPD on March 24 for “speed greater than reasonable and prudent” and for “displaying plate suspended for financial responsibility.” The traffic case had been extended through May and June due to returned mail and no registration filed and an eventual guilty plea, resulting in two fines of $140 and $493. West was noted for failure to pay on June 9.
West had similar traffic violations for plate and registration violations out of Bowie and Mayer in 2022 and out of Dewey in 2009. In a minor criminal case in 2009, the court had ordered a Rule 11 evaluation to determine at the time if West was competent to stand trial.
West placed a call, reporting himself for a welfare check while still in the parking lot, Florisi stated.
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As West began to leave, a JPD officer observed West reportedly placing a handgun on the dashboard of his vehicle, a Grey Chevrolet Suburban.
Out of an abundance of caution, JPD requested Verde Valley SWAT tem, Florisi stated.
Police directed traffic in Jerome south on Main Street due to activity near Town Hall, Florisi stated.
Dispatch personnel engaged West in extended communication via phone while SWAT units responded. After a brief confrontation with law enforcement, West was found in the front seat of the vehicle, deceased, with a pistol in his lap. Police at the scene stated the man was attempting to die by “suicide by cop.”
According to police scanner audio, Verde Valley SWAT officers reported to dispatch that West shot himself in the vehicle.
“Despite efforts to de-escalate, the man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at approximately 4:27 p.m.,” Florisi confirmed in an email at 7:34 p.m.
West’s identity is initially withheld by JPD, pending notification to the next of kin. West was identified just after 7 p.m., Friday, July 5. JPD is continuing to investigate the incident.
In response to community concerns, the Jerome Police Department would like to clarify some information, Florisi wrote on July 4.
“There was only one gunshot fired during the incident, and it was self-inflicted by Mr. West,” Florisi stated. “Following the gunshot, Mr. West still appeared to be armed with his weapon. To ensure scene safety, responding SWAT personnel deployed less-lethal munitions before approaching the vehicle.”
“Additionally, reports that Mr. West made moaning sounds after the self-inflicted gunshot wound are inaccurate, as he was not conscious,” Florisi state. “The sounds in question originate from a police K9 at the scene.”
A K-9 was sent into the vehicle via the passenger window during the incident to determine if West was still posing a threat.
“There were some comments and concerns from citizens that the ambulance was running with lights and sirens with a deceased person on board,” Florisi stated. “Medical personnel on scene detected a shallow pulse and initiated life-saving measures. These efforts continued during transport to Verde Valley Medical Center,” where West was later pronounced deceased.
“If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, free and confidential,” Florisi stated.
