FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter responding to assist officers with an active shooter situation crashed, killing both the pilot and a trooper who was a paramedic on board, authorities said.
A Ranger helicopter crew responded to assist the Flagstaff Police Department and other law enforcement agencies Wednesday night, Sgt. Kameron Lee of the department said in a statement.
“Tragically, during the incident, the helicopter crashed, killing both the pilot and the trooper/paramedic on board,” Lee said.
The names of the trooper and pilot have not been released.
The Bell 407 helicopter crashed near Flagstaff about 10:15 p.m. and there was a fire afterward, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement. A search of the registration number showed the helicopter was manufactured in 2004.
The crash happened on the city's west side a few miles from Route 66 and in the view of a neighborhood. Before that, an emergency alert went out to mobile phones warning of an active shooter and urging people to stay clear of the area. Still, people gathered outside of a gas station watching as dozens of police vehicles lined the streets.
The FAA said it will assist the National Transportation Safety Board in the crash investigation. An email seeking information was sent to the NTSB early Thursday.
The state Department of Public Safety's Air Rescue Unit is trained for various high-risk situations, including mountain and water rescues.
Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett and members of Arizona's congressional delegation expressed sympathy for the families of the pilot and trooper.
“Tragic news. Please pray for their families and everyone involved,” said U.S. Rep. Eli Crane, whose district includes Flagstaff.
“Heartbreaking news out of northern Arizona this morning, and a grim reminder of the dangers law enforcement face,” U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton wrote. “Praying for these officers’ loved ones and the entire Arizona Department of Public Safety.”
The suspect in the shooting suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds and was taken into custody, Lee said. No one else was injured.