Statement from Chief Robert Sanders on Officer Indictment

BUCKEYE, AZ (May 28, 2026):

To my community and my Department,

As Chief of Police, I will always stand firm in supporting the men and women of the Buckeye Police Department who honorably serve this community and dedicate their lives to helping people. When an officer betrays community trust and Department values, I have a duty to pursue the facts and take action that is fair and just.

In January, I requested the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office conduct an independent criminal investigation into the actions of Officer Carri Carrico in two separate use-of-force incidents involving individuals in custody. As a result of that investigation, a Grand Jury indicted Officer Carrico yesterday on aggravated assault charges in both cases. Currently, Officer Carrico is on leave without pay as our Professional Standards Unit finalizes administrative investigations into the two incidents. Additional information will be made public when available.

I thank the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for its investigation. To our community, I urge you to judge the Buckeye Police Department not by the conduct of one individual, but by the character and professionalism demonstrated daily by the overwhelming majority of our officers.