A police helicopter crashed Wednesday night, killing two people aboard, as authorities responded to an "active shooter," incident, authorities said.

DPS is sharing more details on the two people killed in a helicopter crash. Flags will be lowered at state buildings across Arizona to honor them.

An Arizona DPS helicopter crashed Feb. 4, 2026, in Flagstaff, killing trooper-paramedic Hunter Bennett and aviation supervisor pilot Robert Skankey.

The helicopter went down near Flagstaff, Ariz., while assisting the police in their response to an active shooter on the ground.

The Flagstaff police chief said the suspect, who was involved in multiple gun battles with officers on Feb. 4, is a career criminal. He faces multiple charges.

Watching a sunset at the Grand Canyon is a must for any trip. Credit: Pixabay Located in Northern Arizona, Flagstaf

The Taylors’ restoration efforts helped ignite Flagstaff’s downtown historic preservation movement. Early ventures – including a small pastry shop, live music at Charly’s and a youth hostel – brought people back downtown and kept the building alive.

Amid reports of shooting at Flagstaff, Arizona, people in the Mark Ln or Shellie areas were advised to stay inside their houses and lock the doors and windows.