A police helicopter crashed Wednesday night at the scene of an active shooting in Flagstaff, Arizona, resulting in the deaths of both crew members, authorities reported.
Details of the Incident
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Ranger helicopter was providing tactical air support to Flagstaff police and other law enforcement agencies when it went down. The crash claimed the lives of the pilot and a trooper/paramedic on board.
Law enforcement officers were actively engaged in a shooting with a suspect at the time of the crash. The suspect sustained non-fatal gunshot wounds and is now in custody. No other injuries were reported.
Witness Account
Amanda Brewer, a local resident, told CBS Phoenix affiliate KPHO-TV she initially heard three gunshots around 8:40 p.m. local time, prompting her to call 911. She reported that officers arrived quickly, followed by a series of approximately 15 to 20 additional gunshots. Brewer then heard the helicopter overhead just after 10 p.m., followed by more gunfire and then a devastating crash. “You could hear the blades going,” she said. “Then there was a very large crash; it shook the house. It was startling.”
Following the crash, a large fire erupted in a forested area near Brewer’s home, and additional gunshots were heard. Flagstaff police issued a shelter-in-place order for one neighborhood at approximately 10:15 p.m., as announced in a social media post.
What Happens Next
The AZDPS Major Incident Division will lead the investigation into the shooting. They will work alongside the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the cause of the helicopter crash. It is likely that the investigations will run concurrently, but separately, to avoid compromising either inquiry. A full assessment of the incident could take considerable time. The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, but residents may experience continued police presence as the investigation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the helicopter doing at the scene?
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Ranger helicopter was providing tactical air support for law enforcement officers involved in an active shooting.
Were there any injuries besides the two fatalities?
No, Flagstaff police reported that no one other than the pilot and trooper/paramedic on board the helicopter were injured. The suspect involved in the shooting sustained non-fatal gunshot wounds.
What agencies are investigating the incident?
The AZDPS Major Incident Division is leading the investigation into the shooting, and will work with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the helicopter crash.
As investigations unfold, what questions do you think are most critical to understanding the full scope of this tragedy?
