A woman who lives in the area said that 'there was a very large crash'.

07:20, Thu, Feb 5, 2026 Updated: 10:33, Thu, Feb 5, 2026

Two police officers behind crime scene tape

A DPS helicopter has crashed close to the scene of an officer-involved shooting (Image: Getty)

An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter has crashed close to the scene of an officer-involved shooting, with the suspect now in custody. The incident happened in the area north of Historic Route 66 between Thomson Street and Mark Lane.

Investigators said no officers were injured in the police shooting, and the suspect has been taken into custody. Flagstaff police declined to say whether anyone was killed in the DPS helicopter crash. Amanda Brewer, a nearby resident, reported hearing three gunshots, then two more around 8.40pm, prompting her to call 911. She said officers arrived within minutes, followed by a burst of 15 to 20 additional shots.

Ms Brewer added that she heard the DPS helicopter overhead shortly after 10 pm, along with more gunfire later on.

She said: "You could hear the blades going. Then there was a very large crash; it shook the house. It was startling."

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The local added that a large fire broke out in the forest behind her home, and she later heard additional gunfire following the crash. Residents in the Flagstaff neighborhood were instructed to stay indoors around 10.15 m, according to a social media alert.

Police have not yet explained what preceded the shooting or released information about the suspect’s condition. Authorities are urging the public to keep away from the area.