Deputies shoot, kill Black Canyon City man after wife warned of ambush
BLACK CANYON CITY, Ariz. - Yavapai County deputies shot and killed a man who allegedly opened fire at authorities during a standoff in Black Canyon City on Friday night.
The incident began after a woman called 911 at 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 7 to report that her husband, Thomas Henzler, was intoxicated "and had fired a bullet into the ceiling to get her attention."
She told the 911 dispatcher her husband knew she would call police and had begun to gather ammunition and set up an ambush on the only access point to the house, a bridge with a remote-operated gate.
"The wife wisely was able to keep the 911 dispatcher on the phone without her husband knowing to keep YCSO updated as to the location of the suspect, who was moving from the bridge to the house multiple times to grab more ammunition," the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.
Dispatchers reported hearing Henzler tell his wife that he was planning a "suicide by cop."
Yavapai County deputies and Arizona Dept. of Public Safety Troopers arrived in preparation for a possible hostage situation. After some time, the wife was able to leave the home by herself.
Henzler refused to come out for about an hour, officials said. When he did exit, he allegedly opened fire after getting closer to law enforcement.
The man was shot in response, and he died from his injuries.
DPS will conduct an investigation of the shooting.
Neighbor describes the tense feeling at the scene
Todd Callahan lives in the area and says he heard "pop pop pop pop" – gunfire.
"I was concerned for the police officers," he said. "They looked scared. The police officers looked scared, and I felt for them."
He said he prayed for the safety of those involved, and ultimately, he feels bad about the situation all around.
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line).
Help is available for those who are victims of domestic violence. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224). You can also text START to 88788.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.