News and image source: PCSO
On July 17, 2025 around 7:51 p.m., a Pinal County Sheriff’s Office sergeant initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Gantzel Road and Pecan Creek Drive.
The driver refused to pull over, and began committing felony flight, prompting a pursuit. During the chase, the suspect intentionally collided with the sergeant’s vehicle, committing an aggravated assault just north of Combs Road.
During the 6 minute pursuit, the suspect drove recklessly down a main thoroughfare near a shopping plaza and neighborhoods endangering the public.
The suspect vehicle ultimately ended up in a ditch near North Gantzel Road and East Combs Road, where a deputy-involved shooting occurred.
The female driver produced a handgun from the dashboard and fired at deputies, who were positioned behind their patrol vehicles giving commands.
At least one round was confirmed to have been fired by the suspect, striking the window of a patrol vehicle just inches from a deputy’s head.
The sergeant and two deputies returned fire, striking the suspect. Medical personnel later pronounced the woman deceased at the scene.
A male passenger in the vehicle was detained and transported to a Valley hospital with minor injuries.
One deputy sustained injuries from glass fragments during the exchange of gunfire and was also transported to a Valley hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He has since been released.
The suspect has been identified as 46-year-old Mellisa Mills of Apache Junction. Next-of-kin notifications have been made.
Mills was previously arrested in May 2024 for unlawful flight, driving on a suspended license, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The male passenger was later booked into the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office jail on a traffic warrant from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Per standard procedure, the involved sergeant and deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave.
This investigation remains active. Additional information will be released when available.
