Pinal County deputies fatally shot a 60-year-old man in Winkelman on July 18, 2025, one day after a fatal deputy-involved shooting in San Tan Valley.
Winkelman Shooting Details
Deputies were in the town of Winkelman around 9:59 p.m. attempting to locate a wanted suspect connected to a sex crimes against children investigation. Deputies located the suspect at a house in the 200 block of 2nd Street.
According to preliminary evidence, the 60-year-old male suspect refused commands and produced a handgun. He then chambered a round and took an offensive position toward deputies, prompting the deputy-involved shooting.
Medical personnel pronounced the suspect deceased at the scene. Authorities have withheld the man’s name pending notification of his next of kin.
The sergeant who fired his weapon has been placed on paid administrative leave, following standard department procedures.
Previous San Tan Valley Incident
The July 17 shooting in San Tan Valley began as a traffic stop that escalated into a pursuit and shootout when 46-year-old Mellisa Mills of Apache Junction refused to pull over. The incident ended when Mills fired at deputies from her vehicle, prompting deputies to return fire. The suspect was struck and later pronounced deceased at the scene. One deputy sustained injuries from glass fragments during the exchange of gunfire and was treated and released from a Valley hospital.
Investigation Status
Both incidents remain under active investigation. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
