Phoenix Police Critically Wound Gunman Following Targeted Aerial Assault On Department Helicopter

A gunman is in critical condition after firing on a Phoenix Police helicopter twice. Drones and ground units responded to the Sunday morning standoff.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 6:39 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Arizona Daily Independent

Escalation Of Violence In East Phoenix Apartment Complex

The Phoenix Police Department responded to reports of multiple gunshots in the vicinity of 38th Street and Thomas Road at approximately 1:55 a.m. on Sunday. Upon arrival, ground units heard additional rounds being fired and requested support from the Phoenix Police Air Unit to locate the source of the gunfire. According to the Arizona Daily Independent, the helicopter crew successfully identified an adult male standing on the back patio of a local apartment. As the air unit attempted to guide ground officers toward the suspect, the individual reportedly raised a firearm and discharged several rounds directly at the aircraft, forcing the pilot to perform emergency maneuvers.

Tactical Deployment Of Drones and Community Evacuations

To maintain a safe distance while keeping the suspect under observation, the air crew adjusted their flight path and transitioned surveillance to tactical drones. This technological intervention allowed the department to maintain a visual on the gunman without further endangering the flight crew or the aircraft. According to Phoenix police officials, additional officers were simultaneously deployed to neighboring apartment units to begin emergency evacuations. The priority was to move community members out of the potential line of fire as the suspect remained armed and active on the residential patio.

Officer Involved Shooting During Secondary Aerial Attack

The standoff reached a critical tipping point when the suspect engaged the helicopter for a second time. While the tactical evacuations of nearby residents were still underway, officers observed the man raise his weapon and fire again at the circling air unit. This specific act of aggression prompted an officer involved shooting. According to departmental logs, police units on the ground engaged the suspect to neutralize the immediate threat to the pilots and the public. Using drone footage, investigators were able to confirm that the suspect had been struck and that his handgun was lying out of reach on the patio floor.