The sheriff’s office reported that a 34-year-old man, whose identity hasn’t been disclosed, was killed during a shootout with Gila County deputies on Highway 260 near Payson.
On June 4, around 7:45 PM, Phoenix Police reached out to the sheriff’s office, asking for assistance in locating the individual. They suggested he might have taken his own life and was linked to two drive-by shootings.
According to a statement from the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, the man was heavily armed and wearing body armor and a ballistic helmet.
His vehicle was located in the Payson area around 8:15 PM.
The sheriff’s statement indicated that the driver failed to comply, leading deputies on a pursuit eastbound along the highway. In response, law enforcement deployed spike strips to disable vehicles leaving the road. Consequently, the highway was shut down in both directions about 35 miles east of Payson.
Once the car came to a stop, the man got out with a handgun and started firing at deputies. One deputy returned fire, and after medical personnel arrived, the man was pronounced dead.
Police indicated that he was connected to two shootings in North Phoenix, one near 16,000 N. 27th St. and another at 1,500 E. Kristal Way.
During the responses to the earlier shootings, officials found no injuries or significant damage at either scene. In connection with the latter shooting, authorities noted that “a known suspect left the vehicle and fired multiple shots at the occupied home,” but miraculously, no one was hurt.
“These situations are difficult,” remarked Gila County Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd in a statement. “I’m grateful that no one from the public or our deputies was injured this evening.”
The man’s name is being withheld until family members are notified.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or mental health issues, help is available
In Arizona, resources include:
- Dial 2-1-1 to reach 211 Arizona.
- Solari Crisis & Human Services provides a free statewide crisis line available 24/7 at 844-534-Hope (4673). Text “hope” to 4Hope (4673) to receive help.
- Call 988 to contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which offers support in both English and Spanish. It’s free and confidential for individuals in need.
- The Crisis Line at La Frontera Empact Suicide Prevention Center operates 24/7 for Maricopa and Pinal counties at 480-784-1500.
- Teen Lifeline offers 24/7 crisis support for teens at 602-248-8336 in Maricopa County and 1-800-248-8336 statewide.
- The Trevor Project Lifeline supports LGBTQ youth at 866-488-7386.
