FLAGSTAFF, AZ — A pilot and a trooper-paramedic with the Arizona Department of Public Safety were killed Wednesday night in a DPS helicopter crash while responding to an active shooter incident that unfolded over several hours in a Flagstaff neighborhood.
Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly said they received a domestic violence call at around 8:31 pm. at the 1700 block of West Shellie Drive. An individual identified as a “career criminal” came from the back of the residence.
The suspect was armed with a semi-automatic firearm and opened fire, according to Chief Connolly.
Chief Connolly described the scene as officers placing themselves between the gunfire and the victim, allowing the victim to be rescued to safety.
Over the next two hours, the Flagstaff Police Department, the Department of Public Safety, and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office worked to bring safety and peace to the neighborhood.
Chief Sean Connolly said, “Dozens and dozens of rounds were fired.”
The suspect opened fire and moved from rooftop to rooftop as officers responded, placing the neighborhood under siege for much of the evening.
“During that two hours, we had an individual armed with a semiautomatic long rifle hopping from roof to roof, taking points of vantage from high ground, firing upon our officers and into homes, multiple backyards, multiple community members, multiple rooftops,” said Chief Connolly.
According to Chief Connolly, officers were involved in multiple exchanges of gunfire between approximately 8:30 p.m. and 10:20 p.m. Three officers with the Flagstaff Police Department were directly involved, and one Trooper with the Arizona Department of Public Safety fired shots. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office also responded and was involved in the incident.
Authorities said no officers were injured in the gunfight.
DPS said its Ranger helicopter crew was dispatched to provide aerial support during the active shooter response. During the operation, the helicopter crashed, killing both the pilot and the trooper-paramedic on board. DPS has not released their identities, and officials have not said what caused the crash.
At approximately 10:20 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody and transported to Flagstaff Medical Center, where he is receiving medical care.
Investigators identified approximately 40 witnesses, including victim officers involved in the incident.
As is standard protocol following an officer-involved shooting, authorities said the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave and entered a 30-day wellness period.
Investigations into both the officer-involved shooting and the helicopter crash are ongoing. Officials said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Mountain Daily Star sends our sincerest condolences to the Troopers’ family and all who were involved in the incident in Flagstaff.
