Additional Coverage:
Tragedy Strikes: AZDPS Helicopter Crashes During Active Shooter Response, Killing Two Onboard
FLAGSTAFF, AZ – A somber cloud hangs over Flagstaff after an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) helicopter tragically crashed Wednesday night, claiming the lives of both individuals on board. The helicopter was actively responding to an unfolding active shooter situation when the incident occurred.
According to a statement from AZDPS, the aircraft was providing assistance to the Flagstaff Police Department in the midst of the active shooter event. The pilot and a trooper-paramedic, whose identities have not yet been released, both perished in the crash.
Details surrounding the cause and circumstances of the helicopter crash remain unclear. Authorities have not yet determined if the shooting incident played any role in the crash. AZDPS declined to provide further information regarding the specifics of both the shooting and the crash at this time.
Prior to the crash, law enforcement officers had engaged in a shooting with the suspect. The suspect has since been apprehended and sustained non-fatal gunshot wounds. No other injuries were reported from the shooting incident itself.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the helicopter, identified as a Bell 407, went down near Flagstaff at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will spearhead the investigation into this tragic incident, with assistance from the AZDPS’ major incident division and the FAA. The community awaits further information as the investigation unfolds.