On the evening of February 4, 2026, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Ranger Helicopter crashed while assisting with an active shooter situation in Flagstaff. The helicopter was providing tactical air support to the Flagstaff Police Department and other agencies at the time of the incident. Both the pilot and the trooper/paramedic on board died in the crash. Their names have not yet been released.
Before the helicopter went down, law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire with a suspect involved in the active shooting. The suspect sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is now in custody. No other injuries were reported during this event.
The AZDPS Major Incident Division will lead the investigation into the shooting. Additionally, AZDPS will work together with both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash.
A news conference is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. MST today at the Flagstaff Police Department, where Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of AZDPS, will make a statement but will not take questions. Flagstaff Chief of Police Sean Connolly will also address those present.
Further information about both investigations is expected to be released as it becomes available.
