FLAGSTAFF, AZ — An Arizona DPS pilot and a trooper-paramedic have lost their lives following a law enforcement helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday night (2/4), close to the site of an officer-involved shooting in Flagstaff.
The unfortunate event commenced with an officer-involved shooting in a location situated north of Historic Route 66, between Thompson Street and Mark Lane.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), its Ranger Helicopter crew was summoned to assist Flagstaff Police and other law enforcement agencies during the active shooter situation, providing air support.
While responding to the incident, the DPS helicopter tragically crashed, resulting in the deaths of the pilot and the trooper-paramedic aboard. The identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed by DPS, and there is currently no information available regarding the circumstances that led to the crash.
On Thursday morning, the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police announced that the trooper-paramedic had joined DPS in June 2022 and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. They also noted that the pilot, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps with ten years of service, was hired in May 2021 and played a crucial role in supporting DPS operations.
The individual involved in the officer-involved shooting was shot and sustained injuries that are not life-threatening, and has since been taken into custody. The identity of this individual has also not been made public.
DPS confirmed that no other individuals were injured during this response.
Here’s what happened on the ground.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., the Flagstaff police responded to the area following reports of a domestic violence situation occurring within a residence, as stated by Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly during a press conference on Thursday morning.
Upon arrival, officers engaged with an unharmed woman who was the victim of the alleged domestic violence when a man, characterized by Connolly as a ‘career criminal,’ began firing a semiautomatic long rifle at both the officers and the woman.
‘Last night, this neighborhood was under siege,’ Connolly remarked.
The officers and the unidentified suspect exchanged ‘dozens and dozens’ of rounds as the man reportedly moved from roof to roof, utilizing elevated positions to shoot at law enforcement.
Three Flagstaff police officers, each with service ranging from three to eight years, discharged their weapons during the incident. Additionally, one employee from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) with three and a half years of experience also fired. In accordance with standard protocol, all involved officers were placed on administrative leave.
Around 10:20 p.m., law enforcement apprehended the man and transported him to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. Authorities have not yet disclosed his identity.
The suspect was taken into custody around the same time that a Bell 407 helicopter crashed, which was followed by a fire, according to a statement from the FAA. A check of the helicopter’s registration number revealed it was manufactured in 2004.
Amanda Brewer, a local resident, reported hearing three gunshots followed by two additional shots around 8:40 p.m., prompting her to call 911. She noted that officers arrived on the scene within minutes.
Brewer further stated that she then heard between 15 and 20 gunshots.
She mentioned hearing the DPS helicopter flying above her home shortly after 10 p.m., along with more gunfire following that.
‘You could hear the blades going,’ she recounted. ‘Then there was a very large crash; it shook the house. It was startling.’
Brewer also observed a significant fire in the forest behind her residence and noted that she heard additional gunshots after the crash.
The Major Incident Division of the DPS will assume responsibility for the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.