Suspect in Shootout That Hurt 4 DPS Troopers Indicted

Darrelle Lazane Bell faces 25 charges after opening fire on SWAT team serving an arrest warrant.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The suspect in a shootout that injured four Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers earlier this month has been indicted on 25 charges, including 21 counts of aggravated assault, one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm, and three counts of misconduct involving weapons.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the dangers law enforcement officers face when serving high-risk warrants, and the need for continued focus on officer safety and de-escalation tactics during such operations.

The details

On Feb. 5, the DPS SWAT team went to serve an arrest warrant on 51-year-old Darrelle Lazane Bell when he opened fire as they moved in. A DPS trooper was shot and three others were hurt by shrapnel. Bell had a grand jury warrant for weapons misconduct and drug possession, and authorities say he opened fire almost immediately after the SWAT team entered the residence.

  • The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on February 5, 2026 near Interstate 17 and Indian School Road in Phoenix.
  • The indictment against Bell was announced on February 19, 2026.

The players

Darrelle Lazane Bell

A 51-year-old suspect who was indicted on 25 charges, including 21 counts of aggravated assault, one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm, and three counts of misconduct involving weapons.

Rachel Mitchell

The Maricopa County Attorney who announced the indictment against Bell.

Cameron Lee

A Sergeant with the DPS Public Affairs unit who provided additional details about the shootout.

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What they’re saying

“It's important to note this (was) a high-risk search warrant because of the extensive criminal history of this suspect.”

— Cameron Lee, Sergeant, DPS Public Affairs (KTAR.com)

“All four of our wounded troopers were treated and are home resting.”

— Cameron Lee, Sergeant, DPS Public Affairs (KTAR.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to allow Bell out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks law enforcement officers face when serving high-risk warrants, and the importance of continued training and tactics to protect officer safety during such operations.