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Two Arizona DPS Crew Members Killed in Flagstaff Helicopter Crash During Police Shootout Response

Investigators are examining the crash cause with no evidence that gunfire brought down the aircraft.

Overview

  • The Bell 407 went down around 10:15–10:17 p.m. near a neighborhood north of Historic Route 66, and a post-crash fire was reported.
  • The helicopter was providing tactical air support during a prolonged exchange of gunfire that began with a domestic-violence call.
  • Police said the suspect was taken into custody with non-life-threatening injuries, and no officers or other bystanders were reported hurt.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the crash investigation with FAA assistance, and the DPS Major Incident Division is probing the shooting.
  • Officers involved in the gunfire were placed on administrative leave, the crew members’ identities have not been released, and residents were briefly told to shelter in place.