AZ Department of Public Safety helicopter crashes, kills pilot, trooper responding to active shooter

The suspected shooter suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds and was taken into custody, Flagstaff Police Department Sgt. Kameron Lee said

Published: February 5, 2026 9:31am

An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter crashed, killing the pilot and a trooper who was a paramedic on board while responding to an active shooter situation, according to authorities.

Flagstaff Police Department Sgt. Kameron Lee said that a Ranger helicopter crew responded to assist police officers and other law enforcement agencies on Wednesday night, The Associated Press reported.

“Tragically, during the incident, the helicopter crashed, killing both the pilot and the trooper/paramedic on board,” Lee said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said that the Bell 407 helicopter crashed near Flagstaff about 10:15 p.m., and there was a fire afterward.

The FAA added that it will assist the National Transportation Safety Board in the crash investigation.

The suspected shooter suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds and was taken into custody, and no one else was injured, Lee said.

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News