Phoenix suspect shot in highway chase by Gila County deputy

PAYSON, Ariz. — A man accused of two drive-by shootings in Phoenix was shot and killed by a Gila County deputy after he led law enforcement on a highway chase and started shooting at officers.

The incident started Wednesday evening when Phoenix police reached out to the Gila County Sheriff’s Office about a suspect — only identified as a 34-year-old man from Phoenix — that was heavily armed and wearing body armor, GCSO reported.

His vehicle was found in the Payson area around 8:15 p.m. Local police and deputies tried to pull him over on Highway 260 east of the town. The suspect didn’t stop and led police on a chase into Coconino County.

A Department of Public Safety trooper spiked the vehicle’s tires just east of the county line.

Once stopped, the suspect reportedly climbed out of the vehicle with a handgun and started shooting at deputies. One deputy returned fire, striking the suspect.

First responders pronounced the suspect dead on the scene. His identity hasn’t been released.

DPS will be handling the investigation into the shooting. No one else was injured during the incident.

GCSO reported that the suspect may have been suicidal.

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