Man killed in deputy-involved shooting near Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Coconino County deputies say a man was killed in a deputy-involved shooting east of Flagstaff.

Deputies say the man, who has been identified as 31-year-old Mark Nelson, was suicidal, according to a phone call from his mother. Coconino County deputies responded to a home on Friday night just before 10 p.m., with help from two Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers and Flagstaff Police officers.

When they arrived at the home, deputies heard shots fired. They made contact with Nelson, who was in a pickup truck behind a home. At about 11:30 p.m. on Friday, Nelson moved his truck to the front of the home.

After midnight on Saturday, deputies say Nelson pointed the rifle into his mouth, then turned it around and aimed it straight at officers. He was shot on the scene, and pronounced dead at Flagstaff Medical Center.

Deputies are continuing their investigation on Saturday.