Man Shot and Killed by Deputies After Drive-By Shootings

Categories: Arizona Breaking NewsArizona State News

Police vehicles secure the area following the incident on Highway 260.

News Summary

A 34-year-old man from Phoenix was shot by deputies in Coconino County after a police pursuit linked him to multiple drive-by shootings. The incident escalated when he engaged law enforcement with gunfire. Fortunately, no injuries occurred among officers or the public. This marked the 31st officer-involved shooting in Arizona this year.

Arizona – A 34-year-old man from Phoenix was shot and killed by deputies in Coconino County on June 4, 2025, after he was suspected of being involved in two drive-by shootings earlier that day. The incident unfolded late in the evening when law enforcement attempted to stop the suspect’s vehicle, leading to a police pursuit that ended in a confrontation.

According to reports, the Phoenix Police Department contacted the Gila County Sheriff’s Office around 7:45 p.m. to inform them about the suspect, who was believed to be suicidal and heavily armed. The suspect was reportedly wearing body armor and a ballistic helmet, raising concerns about his potential danger to the public.

Law enforcement located the suspect’s vehicle on Highway 260 in Payson at approximately 8:15 p.m. When officers tried to initiate a traffic stop, the suspect failed to yield, prompting a pursuit that traveled into Coconino County. During this time, the suspect’s vehicle crossed into another jurisdiction, escalating the situation.

In a coordinated effort to stop the vehicle, an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper deployed spike strips. This tactical maneuver successfully caused the suspect’s vehicle to go off the road. However, the situation took a turn for the worse when the suspect exited his vehicle armed with a handgun and began firing at law enforcement officials.

In response to the threat, a deputy returned fire, fatally striking the suspect. Emergency medical teams were called to the scene, but the suspect was pronounced dead shortly after. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among law enforcement personnel or bystanders during the incident.

The Gila County Sheriff expressed relief that no officers or members of the public were harmed during the confrontation. The importance of a well-coordinated law enforcement response was emphasized in light of the potentially dangerous situation.

Earlier that same day, the suspect was allegedly involved in two separate drive-by shootings at residences in north Phoenix. The first incident took place around 5 p.m. near 27th Street and Greenway Parkway, followed by a second incident near 16th Street and Union Hills Drive. The motives behind these shootings have not been disclosed.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is currently investigating the officer-involved shooting, as is standard protocol for such incidents. Following the shooting, Highway 260 was temporarily closed to accommodate the investigation, but it reopened the following morning around 8:30 a.m.

This event adds to a worrying trend as it marks the 31st officer-involved shooting in Arizona for the year 2025. Authorities continue to stress the importance of public safety and maintaining order in response to rising incidents of gun violence.