Pima County Superior Court officials are withholding the name of a probation officer involved in the shooting death of a probationer at a Tucson apartment complex last week.
But the court did release the name of the man who died: 29 year-old Joel Jacobo, who was on probation for trafficking in stolen property and absconded last spring.
The shooting occurred Thursday at 851 W Ajo Way as the probation officer was trying to serve Jacobo with a felony warrant for probation violations.
Law enforcement agencies typically release the names of officers involved in shootings. But the superior court, which oversees the Pima County Adult Probation Department, is shielding the identity of its officer due to concern for his safety, court spokeswoman Krisanne LoGalbo said.
"A bit different than a police officer, probation officers are in contact with the families and friends of the defendants on a regular basis," LoGalbo said, "Retaliation is not unheard of in such a situation."Β
The probation officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending investigation of the incident. His name could be released "at some point in the future," LoGalbo said.
The court plans to convene a shooting inquiry board to include two probation officers, a law enforcement officer, a safety specialist and a representative of the court's chief judge. The board has four months from the date of its first meeting to file a report on its findings
Tucson Police Department is also investigating.
