Two individuals have lost their lives following a helicopter crash near the site of a police shooting incident.
In Flagstaff, located in northern Arizona, a law enforcement helicopter crashed on Wednesday night, resulting in the fatalities of the pilot and a trooper-paramedic onboard.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that the Ranger helicopter crew was aiding Flagstaff police and other law enforcement personnel in response to an active shooter situation in an area north of Historic Route 66, between Thomson Street and Mark Lane.
DPS Sergeant Kameron Lee stated, “Regrettably, the helicopter crashed during the incident, leading to the deaths of both the pilot and the trooper/paramedic.” The identities of the victims have not been disclosed. The crash occurred around 10:15 pm, followed by a subsequent fire, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Authorities confirmed that no officers were harmed during the shooting, with the suspect now in custody after sustaining non-life-threatening injuries from being shot.
A resident named Amanda Brewer reported contacting the police upon hearing gunshots around 8:40 pm MST. She mentioned that officers arrived promptly and later heard additional gunshots, followed by the sound of the DPS helicopter over her residence at approximately 10:00 pm.
Describing the events, Ms. Brewer remarked, “The sound of the helicopter blades was audible, then a significant crash ensued, shaking the house. It was quite startling.” She also noted a fire breaking out in the nearby forest and subsequent gunshots post the crash.
The Flagstaff Police Department issued a social media alert at 10:15 pm, declaring a “critical incident” and advising residents to remain indoors.
DPS announced plans to collaborate with the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board for investigating the helicopter crash, while its Major Incident Division will handle the police shooting inquiry.