BREAKING: Man Found Dead After Police Response Near Skyline Drive and Patterson Boulevard

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A police response to a report of an armed man inside a vehicle led to road closures Saturday evening near Skyline Drive and Patterson Boulevard.

At approximately 6:09 p.m., Flagstaff Police, Guardian Medical Transport, and Flagstaff Fire Department Rescue 2 were dispatched to the area after a 911 caller reported seeing a man inside a vehicle with a firearm in his lap.

According to radio traffic, officers were aware of previous concerns involving the man and suicidal ideation.

Several officers responded and streets surrounding the area were closed while police worked to safely resolve the situation. Officers attempted to communicate with the man by making announcements from a distance. Initial efforts were complicated by pedestrians and other bystanders in the immediate area, prompting officers to work to clear people away from the scene.

Officers developed a plan to approach the vehicle cautiously due to the presence of the firearm and concerns that the circumstances could potentially pose a threat to responding officers.

After approximately 30 minutes with no apparent movement or communication from the man, officers equipped with protective shields approached the vehicle. Less-lethal pepper balls were used to further assess the situation.

Officers then determined that the man was deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

No additional injuries were reported during the incident.

The incident resulted in a significant police presence and temporary street closures in the surrounding neighborhood while officers worked to secure the scene.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or considering suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support 24 hours a day.