Police respond to a drive-by shooting situation in Phoenix.
A suspect involved in two drive-by shootings in Phoenix was shot and killed by deputies in Coconino County after attempting to evade arrest. The confrontation began when deputies pursued the armed suspect, who opened fire on them. Fortunately, no officers or civilians were injured during this incident, which is under investigation by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The ongoing situation has led to road closures in the area as authorities continue their inquiries regarding the shootings.
A suspect involved in two drive-by shootings in the Phoenix area was shot and killed by deputies in Coconino County on Wednesday night. This incident unfolded after authorities were alerted to the suspect’s possible suicidal state.
The series of events began around 7:45 p.m. when Phoenix Police issued a notice identifying the suspect as potentially dangerous. Specific details regarding the drive-by shootings have not yet been disclosed by law enforcement officials.
Initial reports indicated that the suspect was wearing body armor and a ballistic helmet and was heavily armed when he was spotted by deputies in Payson. Gila County Sheriff J. Adam Sheppard confirmed that local deputies and Payson police attempted to stop the suspect’s vehicle. When they tried to pull him over, the suspect fled, leading to a high-speed pursuit on Highway 260.
During the chase, which extended into Coconino County, Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers strategically deployed spike strips on Highway 260 near Canyon Point Campground. The spike strips successfully disabled the suspect’s vehicle, causing it to lose control and veer off the road.
After exiting the vehicle, the heavily armed suspect opened fire on the deputies. In response, a deputy returned fire, striking the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The individual involved in this altercation has been identified as a 34-year-old man from Phoenix, although officials have withheld his name pending further investigation.
Sheriff Sheppard emphasized the fortunate outcome that no members of the public or deputies were injured during the confrontation. The incident prompted a thorough investigation, with the Arizona Department of Public Safety taking the lead in reviewing the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, Highway 260 remains closed in both directions near Young Road, affecting local traffic and travel plans. Residents and commuters in the area are advised to seek alternate routes until the road reopens and authorities complete their inquiries.
This tragic event marks the 31st officer-involved shooting reported in Arizona in 2025, reflecting ongoing concerns about violent confrontations between law enforcement and suspects. These statistics are critical for assessing public safety and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in the state.
As investigations continue, local authorities will provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the drive-by shootings and the confrontation that led to the suspect’s death.
News Summary The Arizona Republic is moving its printing operations from Phoenix to Las Vegas,…
News Summary Restock Ave, a streetwear store in Phoenix, was the target of a smash-and-grab…
News Summary A severe storm in Phoenix has left Frances Chrisco and her special needs…
News Summary Public libraries across Arizona are introducing summer reading programs to combat educational decline…
News Summary The Great Arizona Puppet Theater is scheduled to reopen on August 21 with…
News Summary A tragic accident occurred in south Phoenix where a man utilizing a motorized…