FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA – An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter responding to assist officers in an active shooter situation crashed, killing the pilot and a police officer with 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. The ministry’s Cameron Lee said in a statement.
“Tragically, during the incident, the helicopter crashed, killing the pilot and the soldier/paramedic on board,” Lee said.
The names of the soldier and the pilot were not revealed.
Lee said the department will work with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board in investigating the crash. Emails seeking information about the incident were sent to both agencies early Thursday.
The department’s air rescue unit is trained for various high-risk situations, including mountain and water rescues.
The shooting suspect suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds and was taken into custody, Lee said. No one else was injured.