Phoenix, AZ – A man is critically injured after allegedly firing multiple shots at a Phoenix Police Department helicopter early Sunday morning. The incident, which unfolded near 38th Street and Thomas Road, prompted a police response involving drones, evacuations and an officer-involved shooting. The suspect is currently hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety is investigating.
The sequence of events began shortly before 2 a.m. On March 22, when officers responded to a shots-fired call in the area. As the Phoenix Police Air Unit responded to assist, the pilot and observer located an adult male on the back patio of an apartment. According to police, the man raised a firearm and discharged several rounds toward the aircraft.
“The pilot and observer located an adult male on the back patio of an apartment. As the helicopter guided officers toward the location, the man raised a gun and fired several shots at the aircraft,” the police department said in a statement.
Authorities deployed drones to assess the situation and began evacuating residents from neighboring apartments as a safety precaution. During the evacuations, officers observed the man again firing at the helicopter, leading to a response from officers on the ground. The suspect was subsequently found with a gunshot wound and a handgun nearby. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
No officers were injured during the incident. The police helicopter landed nearby to be inspected for damage, though the extent of any damage, if any, has not been confirmed. A neighbor reported hearing gunshots in two distinct bursts, initially mistaking the first sounds for fireworks. “Probably about 1:15 or so sounded like some gunshots. I didn’t grasp if it was gunshots or fireworks,” the neighbor said. “Then about another 5 minutes later or so, I heard the helicopter came out – and heard probably about another five to seven rounds proceed off.”
Timeline of Events
The incident unfolded rapidly, beginning with the initial shots-fired call and culminating in the officer-involved shooting within a short timeframe. Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed sequence:
- Approximately 1:15 a.m.: Initial reports of gunshots near 3800 East Thomas Road.
- Before 2:00 a.m.: Phoenix Police Air Unit responds to the scene.
- Shortly before 2:00 a.m.: Suspect fires at the police helicopter from an apartment patio.
- Following the first shots: Officers deploy drones and begin evacuating nearby apartments.
- During evacuations: Suspect fires at the helicopter a second time.
- Immediately after: Officers return fire, striking the suspect.
Investigation Underway
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is now leading the investigation into the shooting. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect or a potential motive for the attack on the police helicopter. The investigation will likely focus on the events leading up to the shooting, the use of force by the officers involved, and a thorough examination of the evidence collected at the scene.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty and the potential for escalating violence in response to police activity. The use of drones in this situation proved crucial for assessing the scene and ensuring the safety of both officers, and residents.
As of Monday, March 23, 2026, the suspect remains hospitalized, and the investigation is ongoing. Further details are expected to be released by the Arizona Department of Public Safety as they become available. The community awaits more information regarding the circumstances surrounding this incident and the potential charges the suspect may face.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
