Arizona police department postpones 'Run From The Cops 5K'

Citing "sensitivity, respect, and support for all sides of an important debate," the Tempe Police Department announced it will postpone Saturday's third-annual "Run From The Cops 5K," The Arizona Republic reports.

The fundraising event's proceeds go to the non-profit Tempe Police Foundation, which supports the local department's outreach programs such as "Holiday Shop with a Cop." But Police Chief Tom Ryff said in the statement that the event's name could be "construed, and possibly misinterpreted, by some to mean the exact opposite of our intentions — to hold an event which brings the community and our police department together in support of one another."

"Three years ago, when the race and its name were conceived, no one could have predicted the events of the future," Ryff's statement reads. "As Chief of Police, it is incumbent upon me — as it is for every Tempe Police employee — to remain ever mindful of the needs of our community."

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The Republic notes that participants will receive information soon about event refunds.