Suspect Charged After Flagstaff Shootout with Police

Terrell Storey, a career criminal, faces multiple counts including first-degree murder after a standoff with law enforcement.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A 50-year-old suspect named Terrell Storey has been charged with multiple crimes, including two counts of first-degree murder, after a shootout with police in Flagstaff, Arizona on February 4th. The incident began with a domestic violence call and led to a nearly two-hour standoff, during which Storey exchanged gunfire with officers. An Arizona DPS helicopter assisting in the investigation also crashed, killing the pilot and a trooper-paramedic on board.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face when responding to volatile domestic situations, as well as the risks posed by armed and dangerous suspects. The tragic helicopter crash also underscores the sacrifices made by public safety personnel in the line of duty.

The details

According to police, officers responded to a domestic violence call around 8:30 pm on February 4th near the W Route 66 neighborhood in Flagstaff. They found the reported victim uninjured, but soon located the suspect, Terrell Storey, in the back of a residence armed with a long rifle and firing at officers. This sparked a nearly two-hour standoff, with "numerous gun battles" occurring between Storey and law enforcement. An Arizona DPS helicopter assisting in the investigation crashed around 10:15 pm, killing both the pilot and the trooper-paramedic on board.

  • Around 8:30 pm on February 4th, Flagstaff police responded to a domestic violence call.
  • A little later, police found the suspect, Terrell Storey, armed with a rifle and firing at officers.
  • For nearly two hours, there were "numerous gun battles" between Storey and law enforcement.
  • Around 10:15 pm, the Arizona DPS helicopter assisting in the investigation crashed, killing the pilot and a trooper-paramedic.
  • Around 10:30 pm, the suspect was taken into custody with non-fatal injuries.

The players

Terrell Storey

A 50-year-old suspect who was involved in the shootout with Flagstaff police and has been charged with multiple crimes, including two counts of first-degree murder.

Flagstaff Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the initial domestic violence call and engaged in the standoff with the suspect.

Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)

The state law enforcement agency that assisted Flagstaff police in the investigation, including providing a helicopter that later crashed.

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What they’re saying

“The suspect, who was involved with multiple gun battles with the Flagstaff Police Department on Wednesday night, is a career criminal.”

— Flagstaff Police Chief (12news.com)

What’s next

The three police officers involved in the shootout have been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues. Terrell Storey remains hospitalized in the custody of the Coconino County Sheriff's Office and will be booked into the Coconino County Jail upon his release.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face when responding to volatile domestic situations, as well as the sacrifices made by public safety personnel. It also highlights the need for continued training and resources to help officers safely de-escalate such confrontations and protect both the public and themselves.