Dispatcher saves police sergeant’s life after he was stabbed by a suspect

SUPERIOR, AZ – A Pinal County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher saved the life of a Superior Police Sergeant’s life after he was stabbed by a suspect during a foot pursuit.

Superior Police Sergeant Sosa conducted a traffic stop on a suspect who had a felony warrant. During the contact, a foot pursuit ensued and when then suspect realized the sergeant was going to catch him, he stopped and started to fight the sergeant.

Everything happened so fast that Sergeant Sosa was not able to give out his exact location before the pursuit began.

During the fight, the suspect was able to reach into his pocket and stab Sergeant Sosa. Sergeant Sosa, however, was unable to notify dispatch because his radio shoulder mic had fallen off during the fight for his life.

Gloria Wheeler, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher who was working that day, tried several times to reach Sergeant Sosa over the radio. When she was unsuccessful she called his cellphone.

Sergeant Sosa knew his radio came off during the foot pursuit and he was able to answer his phone on his Apple Watch. Dispatcher Wheeler remained calm and was able to gather enough information to get backup to Sergeant Sosa, which is what saved his life.

On Friday, Dispatcher Wheeler was given a life saving award and was able to meet Sergeant Sosa for the first time since the incident.

“I’m glad you’re safe and you’re fine, ” Wheeler told Sergeant Sosa. “That’s all that matters at the end of the day, you know, that I get you guys home safe.”

Thank you Dispatcher Wheeler for your service. You are a true hero.