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Melissa Mills

Gender : Female

Age : 46

Race : White

Date : 07/17/2025

Location : Near intersection of Gantzel Road and Combs Road

City : San Tan Valley

County : Pinal

State : Arizona

Agency : Pinal County Sheriff’s Office

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police after pursuit

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On July 17, 2025, a Pinal County Sheriff's sergeant initiated a traffic stop near Gantzel Road and Pecan Creek Drive around 7:51 p.m. Melissa Mills did not comply and fled in her vehicle, prompting deputies to escalate the situation into a high-speed pursuit through San Tan Valley.
During the chase, Mills allegedly rammed the sergeant’s patrol vehicle, causing significant damage and injuries to the deputy who sustained non-life-threatening facial lacerations from shattered glass. The pursuit continued until Mills’ vehicle crashed near the intersection of Gantzel Road and Combs Road.
Upon exiting the crashed vehicle, Mills reportedly retrieved a handgun from the dashboard and fired at pursuing deputies. Deputies returned fire, fatally striking Mills.
The deputies involved were immediately placed on administrative leave as the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, alongside internal affairs and regional law enforcement partners, launched a comprehensive investigation. Body camera footage from the incident is reportedly under review, with particular attention on the events leading to the use of deadly force and the injuries sustained by the deputy.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/pinal-county-sheriffs-deputies-involved-in-shooting-in-san-tan-valley
https://www.azfamily.com/2025/07/18/deputy-injured-woman-dead-after-pursuit-ended-with-shootout-san-tan-valley
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/deputy-involved-shooting-investigation-underway-san-tan-valley