WINKELMAN, Ariz. — A man wanted for multiple sex crimes against children was shot and killed by deputies with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office late Friday night after allegedly confronting them with a firearm.
The deadly confrontation occurred around 9:59 p.m. near the intersection of Second Street and State Route 77 in the small Gila County town of Winkelman, located southeast of Florence and just south of Globe.
According to a statement from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), deputies had tracked down the 60-year-old suspect as part of an ongoing investigation into serious sexual offenses involving minors. When deputies attempted to detain him, the man reportedly refused verbal commands and pulled out a handgun.
Authorities say the suspect proceeded to chamber a round and assumed what they described as an “offensive posture,” raising the threat level and prompting deputies to open fire in self-defense. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released pending next-of-kin notification.
As per department protocol, the deputy involved — a sergeant — has been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is under investigation. No deputies were injured in the confrontation.
This marks the second deputy-involved shooting involving PCSO in just over 24 hours. On Thursday night in Queen Creek, a 46-year-old woman was shot by deputies after she allegedly fired at them following a vehicle crash. That woman was transported to a hospital with injuries.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is expected to assist in the investigation into the Winkelman shooting, and additional details will be released as they become available.
PCSO emphasized that the suspect in Friday’s incident was facing “serious allegations” related to child sex crimes and was considered armed and dangerous.
“This was a high-risk operation, and our deputies took immediate action to protect themselves and the public,” a PCSO spokesperson said in a brief statement.
The community of Winkelman, a quiet mining town with a population of fewer than 400 residents, was rattled by the rare burst of violence. Local authorities are urging residents to remain patient as the investigation unfolds.
