Melissa Mills Fatal Shooting by Pinal County Sheriff’s Deputies: Investigation Underway

A 46-year-old woman from Apache Junction, identified as Melissa Mills, was fatally shot by Pinal County Sheriff’s deputies following a high-speed chase and gunfire exchange near a Fry’s grocery store in San Tan Valley on the evening of July 17. The incident began around 7:51 p.m. when a sheriff’s sergeant attempted to stop Mills’ vehicle near Gantzel Road and Pecan Creek Drive .

Background Information
Instead of complying, Mills fled, leading deputies on a reckless six-minute pursuit through residential neighborhoods. Authorities said she showed a complete disregard for public safety as she sped through the area, which had a 25 mph speed limit .

High-Speed Chase
The pursuit ended when Mills crashed her car into a ditch near North Gantzel and East Combs roads. According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, once her vehicle came to a stop, Mills pulled a handgun from the dashboard and fired at deputies. One of the rounds struck the window of a patrol vehicle, landing just inches from a deputy’s head .

Fatal Shooting
In response, a sergeant and two deputies returned fire, hitting Mills. She was pronounced dead at the scene by responding medical personnel. Sheriff Ross Teeple condemned Mills’ behavior, emphasizing that she posed a significant threat to both law enforcement and the community .

Investigation Update
The shooting is being investigated as a case of attempted aggravated assault and attempted murder on a law enforcement officer. During the incident, a deputy suffered an eye injury from glass shards caused by the gunfire. He was taken to a hospital, treated, and later released .

Injuries and Arrests
The Sheriff’s Office also said that a male passenger in Mills’ vehicle sustained minor injuries, was hospitalized, and later arrested on an outstanding traffic warrant and booked into the Maricopa County Jail .

Recent Criminal History
The Sheriff’s Office revealed that Mills had a recent criminal history. She had been arrested in May 2024 on multiple charges, including unlawful flight from law enforcement, driving on a suspended license, possession of dangerous drugs, and drug paraphernalia .

Administrative Leave
As per protocol, the sergeant and deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues. Authorities are also securing a warrant to search Mills’ vehicle, which has been impounded as evidence .

Conclusion
Sheriff Teeple stressed that Pinal County takes crime seriously, stating, “This is Arizona and this is Pinal County, and if you commit a criminal offense here, we’re going to take action.” The investigation remains ongoing, and the Sheriff’s Office has not released further details about the sequence of events leading up to the shooting .