A fun run sponsored by the Tempe Police Department scheduled for Saturday has been canceled. The Tempe Police chief cited recent incidents in Ferguson, New York City and other cities across the country for the cancellation.
The 5K run has been staged for several years now. It’s called Run From The Cops.
Tempe police chief Tom Ryff said, "That out of sensitivity, respect and support for all sides of a debate taking place across the country, it is necessary to postpone this year’s race.”
He said Tempe police must remain attuned to the national conversations taking place concerning the relationships between law enforcement and the American public.
In his statement the chief said the race was intended to bring the community and police department together in support of one another.
Recent events could cause the name of the event to be misconstrued to mean the exact opposite of what organizers intended.
A statement from Oscar Tillman, the president of the Maricopa County branch of the NAACP, said he supports the decision. Tillman said it is best for everyone involved to pause, assess and engage in respectful and meaningful dialogue.