Overview
- Arizona DPS named the victims as pilot Robert Skankey, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran hired in 2021, and trooper‑paramedic Hunter Bennett, who joined in 2022.
- The helicopter crashed around 10:15 p.m. while providing tactical air support during a prolonged exchange of gunfire that began with a domestic‑violence call.
- The suspect who fired from multiple rooftops was shot, taken into custody at about 10:20 p.m., and is being treated for non‑life‑threatening injuries.
- The NTSB is leading the crash investigation with FAA assistance, and AZDPS’ Major Incident Division is investigating the shooting; officials have not determined a cause.
- Authorities report no injuries to officers on the ground, and officials say there is currently no evidence that gunfire caused the helicopter to go down.