QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. — A woman is dead and a Pinal County Sheriff’s deputy was injured after a police pursuit Thursday night ended in a shootout in Queen Creek, authorities confirmed Friday.
The incident began around 7:50 p.m., when a sergeant from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) attempted to pull over a vehicle that failed to yield near Gantzel Road and Pecan Creek Drive. The vehicle, driven by 46-year-old Melissa Mills of Apache Junction, fled the scene, initiating a pursuit.
Pursuit Ends in Crash, Gunfire Erupts
After a six-minute pursuit, the suspect’s vehicle crashed into a ditch at North Gantzel and East Combs roads. As deputies approached the wreck, Mills reportedly exited the vehicle, briefly looked at the three deputies on the scene, then reached back into the car to retrieve a firearm and began shooting at them.
The deputies immediately returned fire, striking Mills. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Deputy Injured by Glass Shards
One of the deputies was injured by shattered glass after a bullet—allegedly fired by Mills—passed through a window of his patrol vehicle. He sustained an eye injury and was transported to a nearby hospital. His injuries were described as non-life-threatening, and he has since been released.
Background on Suspect and Passenger
According to Pinal County Sheriff Ross Teeple, Mills had a criminal history that included prior arrests for fleeing law enforcement, driving on a suspended license, drug possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. These offenses occurred in May 2024.
A male passenger in Mills’ car was also detained during the incident. While he was not involved in the shooting, he was arrested on an outstanding warrant for a criminal traffic violation issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation. He is not currently facing charges in connection with the shooting.
Sheriff’s Office Defends Chase and Response
Sheriff Teeple defended the deputies’ decision to initiate and continue the chase, citing public safety concerns. He noted that the department has conducted about 100 traffic stops recently, all of which ended without incident—underscoring that the escalation in this case was not typical.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not released additional information, and the investigation into the shooting remains open. PCSO officials have stated that all involved deputies are cooperating with the inquiry.
