TEMPE, Ariz.Β β In the wake of police-related controversies in cities across the United States, an Arizona police department is postponing a "Run From the Cops 5K" fun run that was scheduled for Saturday.
Tempe Police Chief Tom Ryff says the annual event is intended to bring police and their community together, but he says the event's name could be misinterpreted to mean the exact opposite.
Ryff announced Thursday evening he decided to postpone the event "out of sensitivity, respect and support for all sides" in what he calls an important debate taking place across the country.
The president of the Maricopa County branch of the NAACP supports the decision. Oscar Tillman says everyone involved should, Tillman's words, "pause, assess and engage in respectful and meaningful dialogue."
