AZ Sheriff Releases Video of Deputy in Highway Shootout
Investigators say 22-year-old Michael Gerhart was speeding in his Toyota Rav4 on Grand Avenue/U.S. 60, lost control, and crashed, where he ended up on the median just south of Loop 303 around 6:30 p.m. The body-cam video shows the deputy getting out of his patrol truck with his gun drawn.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has released an edited body-camera video that shows a brief shootout between a man after a crash and a deputy in the northwest Valley on June 23.
Investigators say 22-year-old Michael Gerhart was speeding in his Toyota Rav4 on Grand Avenue/U.S. 60, lost control, and crashed, where he ended up on the median just south of Loop 303 around 6:30 p.m. The body-cam video shows the deputy getting out of his patrol truck with his gun drawn. "Do not move! I have a gun," the deputy is heard saying on the video.
Gerhart stays in his SUV, and it sounds like he shouts, "Stop!" a few times. The deputy then calls for Gerhart to put his hands up. About one minute into the video, Gerhart shoots at the deputy, and the deputy returns fire, shooting at Gerhart three times, AZ Family reports.
Gerhart fired his gun again. The deputy then takes cover behind his pickup truck and radios the dispatcher for help. The deputy was not hurt. Gerhart died at the scene.
An autopsy revealed Gerhart died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials say.
Sheriff Paul Penzone said in a statement: “The deputy’s discipline, experience, and incredible instincts are the reason he was able to go home safe to his family and continue to protect our community members. I am thankful our deputy is alive and uninjured during these challenging times for law enforcement and the continued threat and danger in the course of our duties. I am also appreciative for the multijurisdictional commitment from other law enforcement agencies that assisted MCSO during this incident including Surprise PD and DPS.”
More Patrol

Garmont Tactical Contact Collection: New Duty Boots for Law Enforcement
Choosing the right duty boot can make a significant difference during long shifts. In this video overview, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, introduces the new Contact Collection, designed specifically for law enforcement professionals seeking comfort, traction, and durability.
Read More →
Benchmade Launches Taiga Green Bailout
Benchmade has launched its Taiga Green Bailout, which features an anodized aluminum handle, S90V stainless steel, and Burnt Copper hardware accents.
Read More →
Adept Armor Launches the Nova Titanium Combat Helmet: A Metal Ballistic Helmet at Composite-Helmet Weight
Adept Armor said its new Nova Titanium combat helmet delivers rated 9mm protection at 920 grams all-in, low backface deformation, edge-to-edge coverage, and an indefinite shelf life at roughly a quarter the price of premium polyethylene helmets.
Read More →
5.11 Expands Professional Services Line with Premium, Performance-Driven Scrubs Designed for Healthcare Professionals
The launch of high-performance medical scrubs marks another major expansion of 5.11’s growing Professional Services category, enabling hospitals and healthcare systems to outfit a wide range of roles.
Read More →
SOG Knives Unveils 250th Anniversary Limited Edition Fixed Blade
SOG Knives has debuted its 250th Anniversary Limited Edition SEAL FX Fixed Blade, and only 250 are available. It features an advanced 4.3-inch S35VN steel blade and a tough glass-reinforced nylon handle.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Streamlight Wedge SL
The Streamlight Wedge SL is a high-performance light for inspection or administrative tasks that features USB-C charging and an output up to 500 lumens in a compact package.
Read More →
NLEOMF Officer of the Month Saved Child from Burning Vehicle
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund named Officer Michael Jaycox of the San Jose Police Department (California) as the Officer of the Month for May 2026. Read more about Jaycox’s heroic actions.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the Contact Collection for LE
Garmont Tactical has launched its Contact Collection, a new lineup of law-enforcement duty boots featuring 4-inch and 6-inch options, including waterproof models.
Read More →
Folds of Honor Celebrates Graduation Season as 1,613 Military and First Responder Family Scholars Earn Their Degrees
Every Folds of Honor scholar graduating in the Class of 2026 carries a story starting with sacrifice. Folds of Honor ensures it doesn’t end there. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships to military and first responder families.
Read More →
Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →