Phoenix drive-by shooting suspect killed following pursuit in northern Arizona
Phoenix suspect shot, killed by deputy outside Payson
A 34-year-old man wanted by authorities for two drive-by shootings in Phoenix was shot and killed by a deputy in northern Arizona on Wednesday night.
FOREST LAKES, Ariz. - A man wanted by authorities for two drive-by shootings in Phoenix was shot and killed by a deputy in northern Arizona on Wednesday night.
What we know:
The Gila County Sheriff's Office says they were notified on June 4 by Phoenix Police of a possible suicidal person that had been involved in two drive-by shootings in the Valley. The suspect was reportedly heavily armed and was wearing body armor.
The suspect's vehicle was spotted in the Payson area at around 8:15 p.m. When authorities tried pulling the suspect over, the sheriff's office says he didn't stop. Authorities then pursued the suspect along eastbound Highway 260 into Coconino County.
Authorities threw down spikes in the Forest Lakes area, and the vehicle stopped.
"Upon the vehicle stopping, the subject exited the vehicle with a handgun and began shooting at the Deputies," the sheriff's office said.
A man wanted in connection with alleged drive-by shootings in Phoenix was shot and killed by a deputy along Highway 260 outside of Payson on June 4 following a pursuit. (Ron Rosendale Keep Ron Truckin')
A deputy returned fire, striking the 34-year-old suspect. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
No members of law enforcement were hurt.
State Route 260 has been reopened about 35 miles east of Payson.
Suspect allegedly shot at north Phoenix homes
Dig deeper:
According to police, at around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to a home near Cave Creek Road and Greenway Parkway for reports of someone inside a car shooting at a home.
When officers got to the scene, the suspect was gone. Officers were unable to find any damage to homes. No one was hurt.
While police were at the scene, officers received reports of someone with a gun near 16th Street and Wescott Drive.
"This call indicated that a known suspect exited a vehicle and fired multiple shots at an occupied home in the area," police said.
Officers responded to the scene and found that no one was hurt.
Investigators say the suspect and vehicle from the first shooting matched the second.
The suspect was then tracked to Payson, leading to the deputy-involved shooting.
What we don't know:
The suspect was not identified. The motive for the drive-by shootings is unknown.
What's next:
DPS will investigate the deputy-involved shooting.