FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — City officials are providing new details Thursday morning following a deadly overnight incident in west Flagstaff that involved an officer-involved shooting and the crash of an Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter that killed two officers.
Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett praised officers’ actions and expressed condolences to the fallen.
“I am so proud of the men and women of the Flagstaff Police Department for their heroic actions last night,” Daggett said in a statement. “Their work to protect our community and detain an active shooter saved many lives.”
Daggett said two officers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety were killed when their helicopter crashed while assisting Flagstaff police.
“I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the families of these officers, DPS, and the entire law enforcement community for their loss,” Daggett said. “The City of Flagstaff stands ready to support you.”
According to the Flagstaff Police Department, the incident began Wednesday evening, Feb. 4, when officers responded to a disturbance in the 1700 block of West Shellie Drive. Police said the situation escalated into an active shooter incident, and officers were involved in a shooting with the suspect.
During the response, an AZDPS ranger helicopter crew was providing tactical air support when the aircraft crashed. Police confirmed both the pilot and a trooper/paramedic on board were killed. Their identities have not been released.
Authorities said the suspect was shot by officers, suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds and was taken into custody. No other injuries were reported.
The AZDPS Major Incident Division will lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The helicopter crash will be investigated jointly by AZDPS, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Officials said the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
