An Arizona police officer has been accused of a “disgusting” cover-up after a woman was killed in a fatal hit-and-run – and he allegedly returned to the scene to “investigate.”
Mother of two Iris Billy, 30, was struck and killed by a driver on State Route 73 in Arizona at 3:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. The driver fled the scene of the accident – and the police started searching for the driver.
The police in charge of the investigation quickly realized that the main suspect in the hit-and-run was actually another officer.
Josh Anderson, 49, an officer with the White Mountain Apache Police Department, was arrested and faces a number of criminal charges. Anderson’s patrol car was found to have damage “suggesting a collision with a pedestrian.”
He was on duty when the accident occurred – and he later even responded to the scene and then went with other officers to Billy’s family’s home to break the news to their family that Billy had died.
Josh Anderson, 49, an officer with the White Mountain Apache Police Department, was arrested and faces charges. Anderson’s patrol car had damage “consistent with a collision with a pedestrian.”
Mother of two Iris Billy, 30, was struck and killed by a driver on State Route 73 in Arizona at 3:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. The driver fled the scene – and the police began searching for the suspect
Anderson, a tribal officer who spent two decades on the force, was charged with assault, aggravated assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with serious bodily injury and criminal negligence.
He was also charged with reckless driving, obstructing an officer, death by vehicle and leaving the scene of a fatal collision.
The case was turned over to the FBI – and the sheriff’s office said Anderson resigned after his arrest.
The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office said, “This is an extremely sad time for the victim’s family, the men and women of the White Mountain Apache Police Department and the White Mountain Apache Tribe.”
“This event is an isolated incident and does not reflect the outstanding law enforcement officers who serve and protect the citizens of the White Mountain Apache Reservation every day.”
“White Mountain Apache Police acted quickly, transparently and aggressively to establish the facts and document the incident.
“Their professionalism and vigilance throughout the investigation resulted in our ability to gather evidence and facts surrounding the death of Iris Billy.”
Billy’s sister Phylene Burnette said: “It’s very disturbing, disgusting and heartless.”
About Billy’s children Imani (10) and Kolby (9), the sister said: “They still need them.” She was the single parent, she meant everything to them.
The case has now been turned over to the FBI – and the sheriff’s office said Anderson resigned after his arrest
“Whatever he did to her, he came back to the scene and helped with the investigation. And he (Anderson) was one of the four officers who came to my parents’ house to tell them the news.
“We were expecting her at home that morning.”
About Billy’s children Imani (10) and Kolby (9), the sister said: “They still need them.” She was the single parent, she meant everything to them.
“Knowing that it was someone from our local police department is full of emotion. It’s sadness and anger, why? He must stay in prison.’
Brian Swanty, the chief deputy, said, “They started to realize there was a police car there (at the scene) that had some damage, but even in rural Arizona sometimes our cars get torn up because officers go to the woods.”
“But as the investigation continued, there were increasing indications that something just wasn’t right.”
“Who would have ever thought that it was the police car involved that is now back on scene?” That’s just not normal.
“I can’t imagine this scenario at all. The next of kin is probably one of the worst jobs you can get, let alone knowing you had something to do with it, I can’t imagine.”
The scene of the accident in eastern Arizona
“If he had stopped and provided assistance, as we all need to do, we wouldn’t be speaking today.”
Iris’ twin sister Inez wrote on social media: “JOSH ANDERSON killed my twin sister Iris!!!!” Why doesn’t the White Mountain Apache Police Department mention his name in their Facebook post!!! He hit my sister while on duty in his police vehicle!!
“He left her there and went back to the crime scene, then he came to my parents’ house with three other officers to inform them about my sisters’ death!! How can you be so heartless!!!!
“He is pure evil and I hope he rots in prison!!!!” I have so many questions why, why, why. I love you Chubb, I’m so sorry this should never have happened to you!!!!’
A GoFundMe post said, “My sister Iris was in a hit-and-run accident on Thanksgiving morning.” We have so many questions, even though the police report has not been made or released yet, the suspect is in custody.
“The suspect is White Mountain Apache Police Dept. Officer Joshua Anderson.”
“He was the one who pushed her, came back to the scene to ‘help,’ and then came to our parents’ house with three other officers to break the news that she was the victim.” She has two boys , Imani-10 and Kolby-9, left behind.
Former White Mountain Apache Tribe chairwoman Gwendena Lee said the news devastated the small community.
She wrote: “The tragic and violent death of Iris in our small, close-knit community causes grief and sadness to all of us.”
“My prayers and all of our prayers go out to the Billy family.” We feel great sympathy for the heartbreak of the Billy family.
“I had the distinct honor of working with Lorene (Iris’ mother) in various capacities at the Tribe and at Theodore Roosevelt School as school board members alongside Cline Griggs.
“I am very aware that words cannot express the depth of your grief, Lorene, nor that of your husband, your children, especially the grandchildren who lost their mother. “Even words cannot heal your wounded hearts.”