Arrest warrant issued for man accused in deadly shooting of Tucson PD recruit

TUCSON — The Pima County Sheriff's Department is asking for the public's help locating a man they say was involved in a double shooting that left a Tucson police recruit dead and a corrections officer hurt.

The department is looking for 33-year-old Alex James Barnett, and a warrant for his arrest has been issued.

PCSD says they are still trying to identify two additional suspects.

Detectives earlier located a vehicle matching the one involved in the double shooting, according to PCSD.

Watch a previous update from Sheriff Nanos in the player above.

UPDATE (2:24 p.m.):

PCSD detectives have found a vehicle that matches the description of the vehicle used in the Wednesday homicide of Tucson Police recruit Carlos Ramirez.

It was located in a Tucson parking lot near South Palo Verde Road and East 33rd Street, according to PCSD.

UPDATE (1:22 p.m.):

Mayor Regina Romero issued the following statement on the shooting death of Ramirez:

"I’ve just learned of the tragic passing of Carlos Ramirez, a valued member from Tucson Police Recruit of Basic Recruit Class 26-1.

"My family and I want to offer our sincere condolences to his fiancée, his family, his classmates, and all of our police department.

"For those feeling the pain and heartbreak of his loss, I encourage you to reach out and take advantage of the resources in our community.

"If you have any information regarding this incident or the identity or whereabouts of the suspects is asked to call 9-1-1. Case Number: 260819030."

Tucson Police Department issued the following statement, which referred to the second victim, as Ramirez's fiancée:

"The Tucson Police Department is deeply saddened by the passing of Carlos Ramirez, a member of Basic Recruit Class 26-1. Carlos was fatally shot early this morning. His fiancée was also injured and is currently receiving medical care. Our thoughts are with Carlos’s family and loved ones, his fiancée, and his classmates, instructors, and academy staff during this difficult time.

"Carlos had completed 23 weeks of training at the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Center. He was scheduled to graduate from the academy on August 27, 2026. His passing is deeply felt by his classmates and the entire TPD family.

"The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is investigating this incident. The Tucson Police Department remains in contact with the Sheriff’s Department, is closely following developments, and is prepared to provide assistance. We will share additional information as appropriate and as it is released by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department."

UPDATE (11:09 a.m.):

PCSD identified the shooting victim in a news release as Tucson Police Department recruit Carlos Ramirez. Ramirez was a former Pima County Sheriff's Department corrections officer.

Detectives are looking for two suspects, described as wearing all-black clothing and ski masks at the time of the attack.

The suspect vehicle is a gray SUV, possibly an Acura MDX, with a possibly missing fuel door.

Suspect vehicle below:

Pima County Sheriff's Department

UPDATE:

In a press conference, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, said a man was killed and a woman was injured in a shooting Thursday morning on Tucson's west side.

The 23-year-old man was a recruit with Tucson Police Department, TPD Chief Monica Prieto said. The woman, also 23, was a corrections officer with Pima County Sheriff's Department, Nanos confirmed.

Nanos said law enforcement is actively looking for suspects.

Watch Nanos speak at the press conference below:

The woman is in stable condition at a local hospital.

The investigation is ongoing.

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A street on the far west side of Tucson is closed this morning, while Pima County Sheriff's Department conducts a death investigation.

According to a social media post from PCSD, South Enchanted Spring Drive is closed from West Star Wash Loop to Long Pond Walk Way.

PCSD asks that drivers find alternate routes and avoid the area.