An overnight pursuit that began south of Flagstaff ended Thursday morning with an armed suspect being taken into custody near Mountainaire Road after a multi-agency search involving deputies, troopers, SWAT teams, and a DPS helicopter.
The incident began at approximately 12:34 a.m. when the Camp Verde Marshal’s Office initiated a pursuit northbound on Interstate 17 near milepost 294, roughly 50 miles south of Flagstaff. The vehicle, described as a dark gray or black 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, had reportedly fled from a traffic stop.
Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers also became involved in the pursuit. During the chase, the suspect reportedly threw suspected drugs from the vehicle. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office was asked to assist and deploy spike strips. Authorities also learned that one of the vehicle’s occupants had an outstanding warrant.
At approximately 12:55 a.m., the vehicle was disabled by spike strips near milepost 331, about nine miles south of Flagstaff in the Kelly Canyon and Forest Road 700 area. A suspect then bailed from the vehicle and fled on foot.
DPS advised responding officers that the fleeing suspect was armed with a handgun. A DPS helicopter was requested to assist with the search.
At approximately 1:09 a.m., the Flagstaff Regional SWAT Team was called to respond. Campers in the area were advised to evacuate as law enforcement searched the surrounding forest.
The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and 140 pounds, wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. He was also reported to have facial tattoos.
Around 3:30 a.m., Coconino County issued an emergency text alert to residents in the area advising them to remain indoors and keep their doors locked due to an armed and dangerous suspect being at large. DPS SWAT personnel were also active in neighborhoods in and around the area.
At approximately 5:07 a.m., deputies and troopers received information confirming that the suspect was moving through the woods and was able to see officers searching the area. Authorities also confirmed that he was still armed with a handgun.
At approximately 7 a.m., DPS located and captured the suspect near Mountainaire Road.
No injuries have been reported at this time. Additional information regarding the suspect’s identity, potential charges, and the circumstances surrounding the original traffic stop was not immediately available.
Flagscanner will provide additional information as it becomes available.
