A Queen Creek officer-involved shooting Tuesday evening left an armed suspect dead and one officer with minor injuries, according to the Queen Creek Police Department. The incident unfolded after police searched a residential neighborhood for a man who fled the scene of a hit-and-run in San Tan Valley.
How the Queen Creek Police Shooting Began
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at approximately 5 p.m., Pinal County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of 41100 N. Rattlesnake Rd. in San Tan Valley. They responded to a report of a crashed and abandoned vehicle. The suspect had already fled the area.
Deputies then requested help from the Queen Creek Police Department due to the location’s proximity to the town. Officers quickly began searching for the man.
Armed Suspect Located in Ironwood Crossing
Officers spotted a person matching the suspect’s description in the 1200 block of W. Queen Creek Road. However, he ran on foot into the Ironwood Crossing neighborhood when they tried to make contact.
Officers then received additional information indicating he posed a danger to law enforcement. Separately, dispatch received multiple calls from residents reporting sightings. Some shared images showing the individual was armed.
Police had earlier described the suspect as a white male in his 20s or 30s with an average build. He was shirtless, wore blue jeans with a black belt and gold buckle, and had tattoos on his right arm.
Deadly Encounter During Yard-to-Yard Search
Officers conducted a yard-to-yard search of the Ironwood Crossing neighborhood. During that search, they encountered an armed subject. Less-lethal tools were deployed initially. Officers then shot the suspect, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officer Treated for Minor Injuries
One Queen Creek police officer sustained minor injuries during the incident. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment but has since been released. Police confirmed there is no further threat to the community.
Investigation Handed to Regional Team
The Mesa Police Department is handling the investigation into the Queen Creek police shooting as part of the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team. The investigation remains ongoing.
