Pilot, trooper killed in helicopter crash during officer-involved shooting

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) – A helicopter responding to assist officers in Arizona with an active shooter situation crashed, killing both the pilot and a trooper who was a paramedic on board, authorities said.

Sgt. Kameron Lee with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) said its Ranger Helicopter was called to help Flagstaff Police and other law enforcement Wednesday night to act as air support.

“Tragically, during the incident, the helicopter crashed, killing both the pilot and the trooper/paramedic on board,” Lee said.

The names of the trooper and pilot have not been released. It is unclear what led to the crash.

The Arizona Fraternal Order of Police said the trooper-paramedic joined DPS in June 2022 and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. They said the pilot, a 10-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was hired in May 2021 and was important in supporting DPS operations.

The suspect in the officer-involved shooting suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was taken into custody. That person’s identity has not been released.

No one else was hurt in the response, DPS said.

Amanda Brewer, who lives in the area, said she heard three gunshots followed by two around 8:40 p.m. and then called 911. She said officers on the ground arrived within minutes.

She said she then heard between 15 and 20 gunshots.

Brewer said she could hear the DPS helicopter above her house just after 10 p.m. and more gunshots after that.

“You could hear the blades going,” she said. “Then there was a very large crash; it shook the house. It was startling.”

Brewer said there was quite a big fire in the forest behind her house. She added that she heard more gunshots after the crash.

DPS will be working with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board on the crash investigation, Lee said. Emails seeking information on the crash were sent to both agencies early Thursday.

Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett shared her appreciation for the officers on social media on social media and expressed condolences to DPS for the loss of its crew.

“I am so proud of the men and women of the Flagstaff Police Department for their heroic actions last night,” she said. “Their work to protect our community and detain an active shooter saved many lives.”

“Tragically, the lives of two Arizona Department of Public Safety officers who were assisting Flagstaff Police ended when their helicopter crashed,” she continued. “I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the families of these officers, DPS, and the entire law enforcement community for their loss. The City of Flagstaff stands ready to support you.”

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs also posted to social media, sharing similar sentiments.

“My heart is heavy after the tragic Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter crash in Flagstaff that took the lives of two dedicated crew members while assisting officers,” Hobbs said. ”Their bravery will never be forgotten. We stand with their families, loved ones, and DPS colleagues."

This is the 11th officer-involved shooting reported in Arizona in 2026.