AZDPS Helicopter Crashes While on Scene of Active Shooter in Flagstaff
- For Immediate Release -
Update on March 11, 2026, at 10 a.m. MST - Statement Regarding NTSB Preliminary Report
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is aware of, and has reviewed, the preliminary investigative report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding the tragic accident involving our Ranger 56 helicopter in Flagstaff, Arizona, on Feb. 4, 2026. This tragedy resulted in the deaths of one of our aviation pilots, Robert Skankey, and a trooper paramedic, Hunter Bennett.
While the preliminary report has been released, this is still an active investigation. It would be irresponsible to draw any conclusions about what occurred that day.
AZDPS remains committed to transparency as verified information becomes available. Safety is, and always will be, our highest priority.
Our prayers continue to be with the families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy, and we ask you to keep them in your prayers as well.
Update on Feb. 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. MST – Shooting Suspect Identified
The suspect involved in the shooting that took place in Flagstaff on Feb. 4, 2026, has been identified as 50-year-old Terrell Storey. Storey sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the shooting and remains in the hospital in the custody of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. He will be booked into the Coconino County Jail upon release from the hospital.
Storey faces the following charges:
- First Degree Murder, 2 counts - A.R.S. § 13-1105(A)(2)
- Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, 10 counts - A.R.S. § 13-1204(A)2)
- First Degree Burglary, 3 counts - A.R.S. § 13-1508(A)
- Disorderly Conduct Domestic Violence, 1 count - A.R.S. §13-2904(A)1)
Storey is being held on a $5 million cash-only bond.
For additional information related to charging, please contact the Coconino County Attorney’s Office.
Update at 5 p.m. MST - Press Conference in Phoenix on Feb. 6
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) will hold a press conference tomorrow, Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10 a.m., to provide an update on the February 4 crash of an AZDPS helicopter that resulted in the deaths of two department personnel. Colonel Glover will deliver remarks and take questions from the media.
The briefing will take place in front of AZDPS Headquarters:
2102 W. Encanto Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85009
Media parking will be available in the visitor lot on the southwest corner of N. 21st Avenue and W. Encanto Blvd. No RSVP is required.
The press conference will also be livestreamed on our website: azdps.gov/live
For any questions, please email: [email protected]
Update at 9 a.m. MST - Press Conference in Flagstaff on Feb. 5
Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the AZDPS, will hold a news conference at the Flagstaff Police Department at 9:30 a.m. MST today, February 5, 2026.
Colonel Glover will be providing a statement and will not be taking questions.
Flagstaff Chief of Police Sean Connolly will also address the media and the community.
Address:
Flagstaff Police Department
911 E. Sawmill Road Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Members of the media are asked to gather in the police department lobby, where they will be escorted to the news conference location.
Preliminary Information at 3:35 a.m. MST:
On the evening of Wednesday, February 4, 2026, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Ranger helicopter crew responded to assist the Flagstaff Police Department and other law enforcement agencies with an active shooter incident in the Flagstaff area, providing tactical air support. Tragically, during the incident, the helicopter crashed, killing both the pilot and the trooper/paramedic on board. Their identities will not be released at this time.
Prior to the crash, law enforcement officers were involved in a shooting with the active shooting suspect. The suspect, who suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds, has been taken into custody. No other injuries were sustained during the incident. The AZDPS Major Incident Division will be taking the lead in the investigation of the shooting. AZDPS will also be working jointly with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board on the helicopter crash investigation. Further details will be released later.
Incident #I26007320