Phoenix Area Sees Spike in Police Shootings

Four law enforcement shootings occurred across central Arizona in a 24-hour period on February 5.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:39pm

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On February 5, police in the Phoenix metropolitan area were involved in four separate shooting incidents, marking a notable increase in such events. The incidents ranged from a shootout in Maryvale to a traffic stop in Chandler where the passenger fled and was shot, as well as a confrontation in Coolidge where an officer shot and killed a suspect armed with a machete. Several of the shootings resulted in injuries to both suspects and officers.

Why it matters

Police shootings are a sensitive and controversial topic, with concerns around use of force, public safety, and officer training. This spike in incidents in the Phoenix area raises questions about what may be driving the increase and whether any policy changes or additional oversight may be warranted.

The details

The four shootings occurred across central Arizona on February 5. In Chandler, a police officer was shot at after pulling over a sedan, leading to a suspect being shot in the leg. In Phoenix, officers executing an arrest warrant shot a woman suspected of homicide after she allegedly pointed a gun at them. In a separate incident, Arizona Department of Public Safety SWAT troopers were injured in a shootout with a suspect they were trying to serve a warrant on. And in Coolidge, an officer shot and killed a suspect armed with a machete during a domestic disturbance call.

  • The shootings all occurred on February 5, 2026 over a 24-hour period.
  • The Chandler incident happened on the evening of February 5.
  • The Phoenix incident occurred in the afternoon of February 5.
  • The DPS SWAT shooting happened around 7:15 pm on February 5.
  • The Coolidge shooting took place on February 5 as well.

The players

Chandler Police Department

The law enforcement agency that was involved in a shooting during a traffic stop in Chandler.

Phoenix Police Department

The law enforcement agency that was involved in a shooting while executing an arrest warrant in Phoenix.

Arizona Department of Public Safety

The state law enforcement agency whose SWAT troopers were involved in a shooting while serving a warrant in Phoenix.

Coolidge Police Department

The law enforcement agency that was involved in a shooting during a domestic disturbance call in Coolidge.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This spike in police shootings in the Phoenix area highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies around law enforcement use of force, public safety, and officer training. It will be important for authorities to thoroughly investigate each incident and determine if any policy changes or additional oversight may be needed to address this troubling trend.