Authorities have identified 46-year-old Melissa Mills of Apache Junction as the woman who was fatally shot by Pinal County Sheriff’s deputies after a dangerous high-speed pursuit ended in gunfire outside a Fry’s grocery store in San Tan Valley on the evening of July 17, 2025.

According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the incident began shortly before 7:51 p.m. when a sheriff’s sergeant attempted to initiate a traffic stop near Gantzel Road and Pecan Creek Drive.

Instead of complying, Mills fled the scene, leading deputies on a six-minute pursuit through residential streets. Sheriff Ross Teeple said during a press conference that Mills “drove recklessly,” showing a “complete disregard for public safety.”

The chase came to an abrupt end when Mills’ vehicle crashed into a ditch near North Gantzel and East Combs roads. Deputies surrounded the vehicle and issued multiple commands.

According to PCSO, Mills then reached into her dashboard and pulled out a handgun, firing at least one shot at deputies. One round struck the window of a patrol vehicle—just inches from a deputy’s head.

In response to the imminent threat, a sergeant and two deputies opened fire, striking Mills. She was mortally wounded and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel.

Sheriff Teeple described the woman’s actions as “attempted aggravated assault on a police officer” and “attempted murder.” He emphasized that the residential area Mills had driven through had a posted speed limit of 25 mph, and the pursuit posed significant danger to the public.

Authorities also revealed that during the pursuit, Mills had used her vehicle as a weapon, allegedly trying to ram a deputy’s patrol car—though details of that assault were not fully disclosed.

During the gunfire exchange, a glass fragment from the patrol vehicle’s window injured a deputy, striking him in the eye. Fortunately, the fragment was washed out at the hospital, and the deputy has since been released.

Sheriff Teeple stated that while the injury was minor, it further underscored the danger deputies faced during the confrontation. Mills was not alone in the vehicle. A male passenger was also taken into custody.

He sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation before being booked into a Maricopa County jail on an unrelated traffic warrant.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Mills’ vehicle has been impounded, and a search warrant is being prepared to examine the contents for further evidence.

Records show that Melissa Mills had a history of encounters with law enforcement, including a May 2024 arrest on charges of unlawful flight, driving on a suspended license, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

As is standard protocol, the three deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Sheriff Teeple reiterated that Pinal County takes criminal behavior seriously. “This is Arizona, and this is Pinal County,” he said. “If you commit a criminal offense here, we’re going to take action.”

The Sheriff’s Office has not yet released the bodycam footage but indicated it may be made public once the investigation progresses.