Humboldt, AZ – Man Shot After Allegedly Threatening Family with Knife in Violent Confrontation

A disturbing and dangerous encounter unfolded in the normally quiet community of Humboldt, Arizona on the evening of Saturday, June 7th, 2025, resulting in one man hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds and a harrowing brush with violence for an innocent family.

At approximately 7:00 p.m., Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) deputies were dispatched to a residence following reports of a disturbance involving gunfire. Upon arrival at the scene, deputies found a chaotic but controlled situation: one man was on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds to his lower body, while another man, identified as the homeowner, was detained and cooperating with law enforcement.

YCSO deputies immediately rendered emergency aid to the wounded man, applying tourniquets to his legs in an effort to stem the bleeding. Paramedics arrived shortly after and the man was airlifted to a Phoenix-area hospital. He is expected to survive.

With assistance from the Prescott Valley Police Department, YCSO secured the scene and launched an investigation into the incident. Initial findings revealed that the man who was shot — now identified as 32-year-old Dustin Hester — was the initial aggressor in a terrifying episode that could have ended even more tragically.

According to statements and evidence collected at the scene, the incident began earlier that evening when Hester and the homeowner had been drinking together. What started as a social gathering between the two quickly spiraled into a heated argument. Hester reportedly left the residence but returned not long after — this time armed with a large knife.

Witnesses, including the homeowner and his family, described the harrowing moments that followed. Hester allegedly began banging on the doors and windows, screaming threats and demanding entry, saying he would kill everyone inside. Fearing for their safety, the homeowner quickly locked all doors and moved his family to a safer part of the home.

Despite multiple warnings to leave, Hester allegedly continued his aggressive and threatening behavior. The homeowner, armed with a legally owned firearm, issued repeated verbal warnings, telling Hester to back away. When Hester advanced toward the house with the knife, the homeowner fired a shot, striking him in the leg.

Even after being hit, Hester allegedly continued to advance, prompting the homeowner to fire additional rounds, ultimately bringing the threat to an end.

Following the incident, Hester was taken into custody and is now facing multiple serious charges, including:

• Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Criminal Trespass
• Disorderly Conduct with a Deadly Weapon
• Threatening or Intimidating Behavior against the homeowner and his family

YCSO officials emphasized that the homeowner acted in defense of his family, and noted that the investigation is ongoing. The case will be reviewed by the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office for potential self-defense rulings in accordance with Arizona law.

“This was a terrifying situation for everyone involved,” said a YCSO spokesperson. “We commend the homeowner for his quick thinking under immense stress and are thankful no one inside the home was injured. We also thank the Prescott Valley Police Department for their rapid response and assistance.”

As Hester recovers from his injuries, the legal process will now move forward. The Humboldt community, while rattled by the violence, is grateful that a potential tragedy was averted thanks to swift action by both the homeowner and responding law enforcement.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation remains active.