An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter tragically crashed while responding to an active shooter situation in Flagstaff, resulting in the deaths of both the pilot and a trooper who was also a paramedic. The incident unfolded on Wednesday night, February 4 into the early morning of February 5, 2026.
According to Sgt. Kameron Lee of the Flagstaff Police Department, the Bell 407 helicopter was sent to assist local law enforcement agencies when it crashed around 10:15 p.m. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that there was a fire following the crash. The helicopter, manufactured in 2004, went down northeast of the shooting scene, which had already been secured by police.
The identities of the pilot and the trooper have not yet been disclosed, as authorities continue to investigate the incident. The FAA will collaborate with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the crash.
In a positive note amidst this tragedy, it was reported that the suspect in the active shooting incident sustained non-fatal gunshot wounds and has been taken into custody without any additional injuries to other persons involved. The Department of Public Safety’s Air Rescue Unit is specifically trained to handle various high-risk scenarios, which includes mountain and water rescues, underscoring the critical nature of their role in emergency situations.
The community mourns the loss of these dedicated public servants as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.