Man suspected in 2 Phoenix drive-by shootings killed in shootout with deputies

PHOENIX – A man suspected in two Phoenix drive-by shootings is dead after exchanging gunfire with deputies in northern Arizona on Wednesday night, authorities said.

Around 7:45 p.m., the Phoenix Police Department issued a bulletin to other law enforcement agencies about the subject, who was thought to be suicidal and reportedly was wearing body armor and a ballistic helmet, according to the Gila County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO).

The man’s vehicle was spotted on Highway 260 in Payson around 8:15 p.m. A chase ensued after he failed to yield when GCSO and the Payson Police Department tried to initiate a traffic stop.

The chase ended when an Arizona Department of Safety (DPS) trooper used spikes to stop the vehicle after it crossed into Coconino County.

What happened after Phoenix drive-by shooting suspect was stopped?

The subject, a 34-year-old man from Phoenix whose name was not released, allegedly exited the vehicle and started firing with a handgun.

One deputy returned fire, fatally striking the man.

No other details were immediately available. DPS is conducting the investigation into the shooting.

“These situations are difficult,” Gila County Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd said in a press release Wednesday. “I am grateful tonight that members of the public and our deputies were not injured. Our partnerships with local law enforcement and neighboring counties are extremely valuable and this coordinated response proves that.”

What was suspect accused of doing in Phoenix?

The suspected was wanted for shooting at two houses in north Phoenix before fleeing, police said.

The first incident occurred around 5 p.m. near 27th Street and Greenway Parkway. While officers were at that scene, they received word of another shooting near 16th Street and Union Hills Drive.

Nobody was hurt in either incident.

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