Police Helicopter Crashes During Flagstaff Shootout Near Route 66; Residents Urged Indoors

A police helicopter responding to reports of gunfire crashed Wednesday night near W Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, authorities and witnesses say. The aircraft was dispatched after multiple calls about shots fired between Mark Lane and S Thompson Road.

What Happened

Video shared online appears to show the helicopter losing control and striking the ground. A witness, Amanda Brewer, told local media the aircraft "spun out of control" and said she wondered whether it had been struck. Brewer said she heard five gunshots before calling police and heard another 15–20 shots as officers arrived at the scene.

Eyewitness Account

Brewer said the helicopter flew over her home at about 10:00 p.m., and that the subsequent crash produced a large impact that "shook the house." She reported a fire in the forest behind her residence after the aircraft went down and that gunfire continued late into the evening.

Official Response

Local police posted on social media at about 10:15 p.m., warning residents to remain indoors while investigators worked the scene. The department said: "There is an active officer-involved shooting investigation going on in the neighbourhood north of W Route 66, between Mark Lane and S Thompson Rd. Please avoid the area and find an alternative route of travel."

Police confirmed that no officers were injured but have not released details about what prompted the shooting or the condition of the suspect. Officials also have not confirmed the status of those who were aboard the helicopter. The incident remains under investigation.

Note: Authorities are asking anyone with video or information about the incident to contact the Flagstaff Police Department to assist the investigation.