Jair Cabrera was killed in the line of duty. Photo from Salt River Police Department

Authorities in Arizona believe an Indian prison gang orchestrated the murder of a police officer for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Jair Cabrera, 37, was killed in the line of duty on May 24. Authorities believe three gang members deliberately lured him to an intersection on the reservation, where he was shot.

Prior to the murder, authorities had been preparing an operation that targeted Indian gang members in the area. The tribal police force was part of a task force but abruptly pulled out earlier this month, possibly over the mistaken stop and interrogation of a tribal executive.

Even though the tribe is not a part of the effort, other authorities continue to look at Indian gang activity. "We wanted to make a point that you can't hide on the reservation," U.S. Marshal David Gonzales told The Arizona Republic.

Get the Story:
Salt River tribal police quit gang unit (The Arizona Republic 8/15)

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