Tragic Helicopter Crash During Active Shooting Scene in Arizona

On Wednesday night, a tragic incident occurred in Arizona when a police helicopter crashed, resulting in the deaths of both individuals on board. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Ranger helicopter was offering tactical air support to local law enforcement during an active shooting situation.

Incident Overview

The helicopter was assisting Flagstaff police and other agencies at the time, as officers engaged with a shooting suspect. Despite being involved in the shooting, the suspect sustained non-fatal injuries and was subsequently taken into custody. Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported.

Investigation Underway

The AZDPS Major Incident Division is taking the lead on the investigation of the shooting, working alongside the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the tragic helicopter crash.

Eyewitness Account

A local resident, Amanda Brewer, shared her experience with CBS Phoenix affiliate KPHO-TV. Brewer reported hearing a sequence of gunshots at around 8:40 p.m., leading her to contact emergency services. Police officers arrived shortly afterward, and she subsequently heard a series of 15 to 20 additional gunshots.

At approximately 10 p.m., Brewer noted the sound of the helicopter overhead, followed by another round of gunfire. “You could hear the blades going,” she recounted. “Then there was a very large crash; it shook the house. It was startling.” The crash resulted in a significant fire in the forested area behind her home, and more gunshots were heard following the crash.

Emergency Response

In response to the situation, Flagstaff police advised residents of one neighborhood to shelter in place via a social media announcement made at approximately 10:15 p.m.