Office of
Sheriff of Gila County
J. Adam Shepherd
Press Release
June 4th, 2025
Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd would like to release the following information regarding a vehicle pursuit and subsequent officer involved shooting on Highway 260 near MP 286.
On June 4, 2025, at approximately 7:45 p.m., an attempt to locate issued by the Phoenix Police Department was received by the Gila County Sheriff’s Office for a possible suicidal subject that had already been involved in two drive by shootings in the Phoenix area. It was also reported that the subject was heavily armed and was wearing body armor and a ballistic helmet. The vehicle was identified in the Payson area at approximately 8:15 p.m. The Gila County Sheriff’s Office and Payson Police Department attempted a traffic stop at MP 260 on Hwy 260, the driver failed to yield, and a vehicle pursuit was initiated by Gila County Sheriff’s Office and Payson Police Department. The pursuit continued eastbound on Hwy 260 into Coconino County.
The vehicle was spiked by an Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper at approximately MP 286. The vehicle became disabled and departed the roadway. Upon the vehicle stopping, the subject exited the vehicle with a handgun and began shooting at the Deputies. One Deputy returned fire. Medical was dispatched to the scene and the subject a 34-year-old, male from Phoenix, AZ was pronounced deceased. Identification is pending next of kin notification.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is conducting the officer involved shooting investigation.
Sheriff Shepherd said “These situations are difficult; I am grateful tonight that members of the public and our Deputies were not injured. Our partnerships with local law enforcement and neighboring counties are extremely valuable and this coordinated response proves that.”
Sheriff Shepherd would like to acknowledge the response of the Payson Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Gila County Drug, Gang and Violent Crimes Task Force, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Forest Lakes Fire Department and Arizona Department of Transportation.
