Suspect Sentenced for Attack on Officer Tyler Moldovan & Officer Zachary Johnson

On October 27, 2026, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge sentenced Essa Williams to 50 years in prison for the attempted murder of Officer Tyler Moldovan and aggravated assault on Officer Zachary Johnson.

Officer Tyler Moldovan was brutally attacked on December 14, 2021, as he and fellow officers searched for a suspect who fled from a vehicle in the area of 19th Avenue and West Camelback Road. Officer Moldovan suffered life-threatening injuries and continues to recover to this day.

“On December 14, 2021, Tyler and Zach’s lives changed forever,” Chief Matt Giordano said outside the courthouse. “The violent, unprovoked attack on Tyler, who was just 22 years old, nearly took his life. Today, the man responsible is finally facing the consequences of his actions, and justice has been served. I am grateful for the dedication of the prosecutors, detectives, and everyone who stood by Tyler throughout this journey. But accountability alone cannot make Tyler whole or erase the impact of that day on those who were there or those who helped him get to where he is now. Any moment and any day can change our lives. Our profession reminds us of the sacrifices we make—and the sacrifices we are willing to give—each time we put on this uniform and badge.”

The Department is grateful to the court and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for holding those who attack police officers accountable to the fullest extent of the law.