Update on Trooper-Involved Shooting on Interstate 10 in Tucson

At approximately 12 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, a uniformed Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) State Trooper was on duty in a fully marked patrol vehicle, patrolling in the area of westbound Interstate 10 near Park Avenue in Tucson. The trooper observed a female, later identified as 41-year-old Tucson resident Robin Rae Budelli, walking on the right shoulder of the interstate.  I-10 is a controlled access highway and pedestrians are restricted in this area. The trooper stopped the patrol vehicle to make contact with Budelli.

Shortly after the trooper exited the vehicle, Budelli pulled a large butcher-style knife out of her purse, raised it above her head, and charged at the trooper while the trooper was approaching. The trooper subsequently shot the assailant, ending the attack. The trooper immediately called for emergency medical services to respond and began rendering life-saving measures until additional assistance arrived.

Budelli was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

The State Trooper was not injured.

The AZDPS Major Incident Division is investigating this incident.

Video from this incident is available here: https://youtu.be/nkxIxjYOiDY