AZDPS SWAT Team shoots suspect after armed standoff in Apache County

APACHE COUNTY- Local law enforcement agencies and the AZDPS SWAT Team worked together to contain a suspect that shot at law enforcement and was barricaded in a home off HWY 60 near CR 3095. The suspect was shot and transported to a Phoenix Hospital. No officer related injuries were reported.

On Sunday, June 9, 2024, at around 8:50 pm, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Special Operations District SWAT Team was requested by the White Mountain Regional SWAT Team and the Apache County Sheriff’s Office, wrote the AZDPS spokesperson.

Around 8:50 pm, the barricaded suspect was firing at deputies in the area of the highway according to the AZDPS spokesperson.

“Negotiations with the suspect continued for several hours,” said the AZDPS spokesperson.

“I heard deputies calling for the suspect to come out and then I heard about 100 gun shots,” said a nearby resident to Mountain Daily Star.

Nearby residents said they were “asked to stay in their homes” and reports from neighbors close to the suspects home told Mountain Daily Star, “We were asked to evacuate and not come back until the scene was clear.”

A Mountain Daily Star reporter arrived on the scene around 10 pm, and observed the tactical response from local law enforcement and AZDPS SWAT Teams.

The Reporter noticed, Show Low Police, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Apache County Sheriff’s Office, Vernon Fire District, White Mountain Ambulance Services, and AZDPS on the scene.

Around 2:30 am the AZDPS SWAT Team began preparing to deploy their resources to the scene. 

Video shows the AZDPS SWAT Team checking their BearCat prior to driving about 500 yards away to the scene where the suspect was barricaded in the home. Video Credit: Mountain Daily Star. 

 AZDPS SWAT Team loading into the BearCat getting ready to deploy to the scene. Video Credit: Mountain Daily Star.

Two BearCat tactical vehicles proceeded to drive to the scene with support vehicles following.

According to the AZDPS spokesperson, at around 2:40 am Monday morning, the suspect began firing at the AZDPS SWAT, prompting a trooper-involved shooting.

The Mountain Daily Star Reporter heard what appeared to be seven gun shots coming from the scene about 500 yards away.

The suspect was taken into custody following the shooting.

The suspect was transported in the AZDPS BearCat with gunshot wounds from the scene into an ambulance that was staged near the area.

The suspect was loaded into the ambulance by The AZDPS SWAT Team and supporting resources.

No reports of injuries to participating agencies was reported. The suspect was taken to a Phoenix area hospital. AZDPS is investigating.

This is breaking news and will be updated when more information becomes available. Refresh the story. 

Reporters observed the high level of skills that the AZDPS SWAT Team displayed and the remarkable cohesion between all the law enforcement agencies. The prompt attention by all agencies is appreciated by local residents. Thankfully, no law enforcement personnel sustained injuries.