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DPS crew members killed in helicopter crash while responding to Flagstaff shooting

By
Updated  February 5, 2026 6:16am MST
Police Shootings
FOX 10 Phoenix

The Brief

    • A DPS pilot and trooper/paramedic died in a helicopter crash on Feb. 4 in Flagstaff.
    • The helicopter was responding to an active shooting incident involving police and a suspect when the crash happened west of the downtown area.
    • The suspect in the shooting was shot before being taken into custody.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Two Arizona Department of Public Safety crew members were killed in a helicopter crash Wednesday night while responding to an active shooting incident in Flagstaff.

What we know:

The crash happened on Feb. 4 west of the downtown area, just north of Route 66. DPS says the pilot and a trooper/paramedic on board both died.

Prior to the crash, Flagstaff Police were involved in a shooting with a suspect. The suspect was shot before being taken into custody. No officers were hurt.

What we don't know:

The identities of the DPS crew members and suspect weren't released. The cause of the helicopter crash is also unknown.

Police haven't released any details on what led up to the shooting.

What's next:

DPS will lead the investigation into the shooting. They will also work with the FAA and NTSB to investigate the helicopter crash.

Map of area where the crash happened

The Source: The Arizona Department of Public Safety

Police ShootingsFlagstaffNews