Amidst a tense standoff in Flagstaff, Arizona, tragedy struck as a helicopter crash claimed the lives of two Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers. The incident unfolded late Wednesday, leaving the community and law enforcement in mourning.
Helicopter Crash Claims Two Lives
The ill-fated helicopter, identified as Ranger 56 from Kingman’s Western Air Rescue, was aiding local authorities during a prolonged shootout with a domestic violence suspect. The cause of the crash remains unclear, with officials withholding specific details.
Arizona DPS Director Jeffrey Glover addressed the media the following morning, stating, “At the time of the incident, there were two DPS personnel on board. The pilot and a trooper paramedic. Unfortunately, both are tragically deceased.” He urged the public to keep affected families and personnel in their thoughts during this challenging period.
The crash occurred shortly after 10 p.m., near Route 66 and Thompson Street, just below Lowell Observatory. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is collaborating with the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the incident, though the identities of the troopers have not been disclosed.
Intense Shootout in Flagstaff
The confrontation began when officers responded to a domestic violence call around 8:30 p.m. Flagstaff Chief of Police Sean Connelly described the chaotic scene, explaining, “This neighborhood was under siege last night.” The suspect, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, engaged officers in a series of gun battles over nearly two hours.
Connelly recounted, “What we had was an individual … hopping from roof to roof, taking points of vantage from high ground, firing upon our officers, into the homes, multiple backyards, multiple community members, multiple rooftops.” Despite the intensity of the situation, no officers were injured by gunfire.
The suspect was eventually shot and wounded by law enforcement before being apprehended and taken to Flagstaff Medical Center. Officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave, following standard procedure.
Community and Official Reactions
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her grief on social media, stating, “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. Their bravery will never be forgotten.”
Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett and Attorney General Kris Mayes echoed similar sentiments, honoring the fallen troopers for their service and sacrifice. Mayes labeled them “heroes” and acknowledged the profound impact of their loss on the community.
The incident has left the city of Flagstaff and the state of Arizona grappling with the loss of two devoted public servants, while investigations into the crash continue.
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