YCSO deputies shoot, kill man who shot at law enforcement in Black Canyon City

PHOENIX — A suspect died after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement late Friday evening in Black Canyon City, authorities said.

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call from a woman who claimed her husband was intoxicated and shot a round into the ceiling of their house located near Old Black Canyon Highway and School House Road, YCSO announced in a press release.

The woman alleged her husband, Thomas Henzler, began to set up an ambush on a bridge with a remote-controlled gate, the only access way to their home.

Authorities said the woman kept the dispatcher on the phone to relay information on her husband’s whereabouts as he allegedly moved from the bridge to the house to grab more ammunition.

The YCSO dispatcher allegedly heard him say he planned to shoot at police and “do a suicide by cop.”

Deputies responded with the Department of Public Safety and their Air Ranger due to the remote location of the house, according to the release.

The wife exited the residence alone and opened the gate after law enforcement arrived. Henzler remained in the house and did not initially respond to calls.

Henzler exited the house approximately an hour later and opened fire on the deputies, authorities said.

He was hit by returned gunfire and died of his injuries.

No deputies were injured in the incident.

DPS is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

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