A man suspected of being involved in two drive-by shootings in Phoenix was killed by a Gila County deputy after he fled from the police and opened fire on officers.
The situation started on Wednesday evening when the Phoenix police notified the Gila County Sheriff’s Office about a heavily armed 34-year-old man from Phoenix wearing body armor, according to the sheriff’s office.
His vehicle was located in the Payson area around 8:15 PM. Local law enforcement attempted to stop him on Highway 260, but he didn’t pull over, leading authorities on a chase into Coconino County.
To halt the pursuit, the public safety department deployed spike strips just east of the county line.
After coming to a stop, the suspect allegedly exited his car with a handgun and fired at deputies. One officer returned fire and struck the suspect.
Responding personnel pronounced him dead at the scene, but his identity remains undisclosed.
Authorities suspect he may be the individual who recorded himself brandishing a gun before entering a residence on Wednesday.
The Department of Public Safety is handling the investigation into the shooting. Thankfully, no one else was harmed in the incident.
Interestingly, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office mentioned that the suspect might have taken his own life.
