Tucson Tragedy: Arizona DPS Trooper Fatally Shoots Woman on Interstate 10 During Confrontation Involving Large Knife; Investigation Underway

Tucson, AZ — A woman has died following an officer-involved shooting on Interstate 10 in Tucson on Friday, April 4, 2025. The incident occurred around noon when an Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper encountered a female pedestrian walking along the westbound shoulder of I-10 near Park Avenue.

Incident Details

According to DPS reports, the trooper approached the woman to address the safety concern of a pedestrian on the interstate. During the encounter, an altercation ensued between the trooper and the woman. A large butcher’s knife was found at the scene, though it remains unclear whether the woman was armed with it during the confrontation.

The trooper discharged their weapon, striking the woman. Emergency medical services were promptly called, and the trooper administered aid until paramedics arrived. The woman was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The trooper was not injured during the incident.

Traffic Disruptions

Following the shooting, westbound lanes of I-10 near Park Avenue were temporarily closed to facilitate the investigation and ensure public safety. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) implemented detours, redirecting traffic at Park Avenue and allowing re-entry onto I-10 at 6th Avenue. The lanes were reopened shortly after 1:30 p.m.

Ongoing Investigation

DPS’s Major Incident Division has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have not released the identities of either the deceased woman or the involved trooper. Further details, including the events leading up to the altercation and the presence of the knife, are under active review.