Apache Junction Woman Killed in Deputy-Involved Shooting After Felony Flight in Pinal County

Photos Courtesy of Pinal County Sheriff's Office (PCSO)

Apache Junction Woman Killed in Deputy-Involved Shooting After Felony Flight in Pinal County

Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published July 18th, 2025

Pinal County, AZ — A high-speed pursuit ended in a deadly deputy-involved shooting Thursday evening after a female driver refused to pull over, slammed into a sergeant’s vehicle, and opened fire on law enforcement.

According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 7:51 p.m. on July 17, 2025, when a PCSO sergeant attempted a traffic stop near Gantzel Road and Pecan Creek Drive. The driver—later identified as 46-year-old Melissa Mills of Apache Junction—refused to yield, prompting a felony flight that endangered the public and escalated into a violent confrontation.

📍 Timeline of Events:

Mills led deputies on a six-minute pursuit down Gantzel Road, recklessly weaving near shopping centers and residential streets.
Just north of Combs Road, Mills intentionally collided with the sergeant’s vehicle—prompting an aggravated assault charge.
Her vehicle ultimately crashed into a ditch near North Gantzel and East Combs, where deputies attempted to detain her.

💥 Exchange of Gunfire:

As deputies positioned themselves behind their patrol vehicles, issuing verbal commands, Mills reportedly grabbed a handgun from the dashboard and fired a round—striking a cruiser window just inches from a deputy’s head.

Three PCSO members, including the initiating sergeant, returned fire. Mills was struck and pronounced deceased at the scene by medics.

👥 Passenger & Injuries:

A male passenger in Mills’ vehicle was treated for minor injuries and later booked into Maricopa County Jail on a traffic warrant issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
One deputy sustained glass-related injuries during the shooting exchange and has since been released from the hospital.

📄 Background & Investigation:

Mills had a prior arrest in May 2024 on charges including unlawful flight, driving on a suspended license, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Next-of-kin notifications have been made.

The involved deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave, per PCSO protocol. The investigation remains active, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.