Monthly Archives: July 2017

Red Cross Greater Phoenix Chapter attending National Council of La Raza Annual Conference

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PHOENIX — Phoenix is hosting the National Council of La Raza Annual Conference, July 8-11, at the Phoenix Convention Center and American Red Cross Greater Phoenix Chapter will be in attendance to promote awareness on emergency blood donations and disaster preparedness, specifically the Home Fire Campaign, an effort to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by home fires. The American Red Cross Greater Phoenix, Latinos Preparados volunteers will be providing smoke alarm installation demonstrations and will also help families develop a home fire escape plan.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters a year, the majority of which are home fires. Working smoke alarms in a home cut the risk of death by half and having an escape plan further improves the odds of survival. The Red Cross wants to end these tragedies and save lives, that’s why we launched the Home Fire Campaign in 2014. As of July 7, 2017, the Red Cross and our partners across the country have saved at least 235 lives.

For interviews with volunteers, visit our booth at the National Council of La Raza Annual Conference or to learn more about the Home Fire Campaign visit redcross.org. Please help us by volunteering to install smoke alarms, making a financial contribution, or taking steps to protect your own family from home fires.

Manhunt is Being Scaled Back but Efforts to Identify and Locate Suspect Continue

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The manhunt for the suspect of the shooting incident that occurred on July 4 near the Canyon Point Campground in Forest Lakes, AZ will be scaled back as of this evening. The manhunt started yesterday and continued last night and through today. Law enforcement teams were unable to locate the suspect. Air and ground teams found no clues to indicate that the suspect is still in the area. The suspect had originally been a person of interest in several brush-fire starts the previous day.

The safety of citizens in the area is still a priority. Although some resources are being withdrawn and reallocated to other assignment needs, law enforcement will continue to have an enhanced presence in the area. Local, state and federal agencies continue to cooperate in this investigation and to work together to identify and locate the suspect. Law enforcement officials will continue to assess the situation and follow up on leads and information that comes available.

The public is asked to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or persons to law enforcement immediately. If you have any information about the crime or the suspect, please call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-338-7888 or Coconino County Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.

2017 County Fair Early Bird tickets on sale now

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FLAGSTAFF — Fair-goers can now purchase early bird Coconino County Fair admission tickets and carnival wristbands online. Coconino County Parks & Recreation is hosting the 68th annual Coconino County Fair, Labor Day Weekend, September 1 through 4 at Fort Tuthill County Park.

Early bird admission tickets are $5 each for adults and $3 each for youth (ages 6 – 12) and seniors (65 and older). Kids 5 and under are always free at the Coconino County Fair. Carnival wristbands, which allow unlimited carnival rides for one day, are $25 each, with a limit of 10 purchased at one time. Discounted admission tickets sales end July 31, and carnival wristbands are available while supplies last.

Exhibit entries for artwork, recipes, crafts, collections, and homegrown vegetables and flowers are being accepted for judging competitions. Entries are free except for livestock. Special awards, including cash, will be given for many entry categories such as clothing, quick breads, cookie jar, cherry pies, candies, preserved foods, quilts and photography.

The 2017 Fair Book is now online for people to view categories and enter their exhibit information. There are a limited number of printed Fair Books available at the Parks and Recreation Administration office or participating locations in Coconino County.

For more information on the County Fair, early bird tickets, entertainment line-up, the Fair Book and how to enter an exhibit, visit http://www.CoconinoCountyFair.com or call the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department at 928-679-8000.

Search for suspect in Forest Lakes shooting continues

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A multi-agency law enforcement team continues to look for the suspect in yesterday’s shooting incident in Forest Lakes, Arizona. Ground and air teams searched the area during the night and early morning in an effort to locate the suspect. Search efforts will continue today in both the forested area as well as through patrols of neighborhoods, businesses, and roadways. There are approximately 45 officers from multiple agencies on scene assisting.

The shooting incident yesterday occurred near Canyon Point Campground located on Hwy 260 milepost 287 approximately 19 miles west of Heber, Arizona, 4.5 miles east of the Rim Visitor Center. The campground remains closed at this time.

The public is reminded to continue to be aware of the situation and to stay out of the area if possible. Please do not pick up hitch hikers and immediately report any suspicious person or activity to law enforcement. Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect is urged to call law enforcement.

Hunt continues for suspect

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The multi-agency search efforts for the suspect who fired shots at a forest service employee earlier today will continue through the night.

We continue to ask the public to maintain caution and awareness in the area. If you do not need to be in the area, you are asked to stay out of the area. Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect is urged to contact law enforcement – 911 or Silent Witness (Coconino County Silent Witness phone: 928-774-6111).

Actively Looking for Suspect in Shooting that Occurred in Forest Lakes Area

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Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the suspect in a shooting in the Forest Lakes area. Canyon Point Campground has been evacuated and Code Red has been used for notification of citizens in the Forest Lakes area. There currently is a two-mile radius closure of the area including a 2000-foot air space closure. See the attached photo of the suspect.

On July 3 at approximately 6:00 pm, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and US Forest Service responded to eight small brush fires in an area known as Pond Circle in Forest Lakes, AZ. Residents reported seeing a dark complexion male wearing a royal blue shirt, with a long sleeve white shirt underneath in the area. Personnel in the area attempted to locate the possible suspect.

On July 4 at approximately 10:20 am, a forest service employee was checking the area approximately ¼ mile south of Canyon Point Campground when he came across an individual matching the description from the fires. The suspect pulled a handgun on the forest service employee. As the employee was trying to back away, the suspect fired several rounds at him. As the employee ran to his truck, the suspect fired additional rounds at him using a shotgun. The forest service employee was not injured and was able to escape the area and call law enforcement.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is actively looking for the suspect. Other agencies assisting include Arizona Department of Public Safety SWAT and Air Ranger, FBI SWAT, Gila County Sheriff’s Office, Forest Service fire and law enforcement personnel, Forest Lakes Fire Department, Arizona Game and Fish, White Mountain Apache Police Department, and Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information about this crime or suspect is encouraged to call 911 or Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Please do not approach the subject but notify your local law enforcement agency.

Arizona, Republic of Korea now have driver license reciprocity

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PHOENIX – A new agreement between Arizona and the Republic of Korea allows Arizonans staying longer than a year to obtain driver licenses in that country without having to take written and road tests. Licensed drivers from South Korea will receive the same courtesy for stays in Arizona lasting more than a year.

On June 27, Arizona Department of Transportation Director John Halikowski and Key Cheol Lee, the Republic of Korea consul general in Los Angeles, signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing a reciprocity agreement.

“The Republic of Korea is a valued trading and cultural partner for our state,” Halikowski said. “We’re pleased to make it even easier to do business and study in Arizona while minimizing time spent at a Motor Vehicle Division office.”

Arizona has similar reciprocity with Germany and Taiwan, while reciprocity between Arizona and Canada exempts drivers from road tests but still requires the written test.

Long-term visitors from the Republic of Korea who are at least 18 years old can now exchange South Korean driver licenses for Arizona driver licenses. They must have documentation showing they will be here for at least a year and that they have at least six months remaining on their stays. ADOT will coordinate with South Korean officials to verify an applicant’s driving status.

American Red Cross asking for assistance

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PHOENIX – The American Red Cross is currently working with emergency managers in response to multiple wildfires throughout the state as well as numerous multi-family home fires. Currently, 88 Red Cross volunteers are mobilized and are responding to individual and community needs by providing shelter, meals, snacks, water, emergency supplies, and health services. Many of our dedicated volunteers are working multiple locations and long hours to provide the help needed in the communities affected.

Flo Hencken is just one example of a volunteer with a true American Red Cross spirit. Despite being evacuated by the Goodwin Fire herself, she has put on her Red Cross vest and is focused on helping her neighbors and community who have also been affected by the fire.

The American Red Cross needs your support. It is only through your generous donations that we are able to provide substantial financial assistance to the people affected by these disasters. Please consider donating, volunteering or giving blood. Every single dollar makes an impact. You can find your local chapter by visiting www.redcross.org.

Additional resources available: With evacuations in effect in some areas and potential evacuations in additional locations, the Red Cross recommends downloading the free Red Cross Wildfire App or Emergency App. http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps

Game and Fish develops proposed hunt guidelines

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public comment on proposed hunt guidelines for the 2018-19 through 2022-23 hunting seasons.

The proposed guidelines were developed based on input received through written public comment and information gathered during a webinar and eight public meetings conducted statewide. The proposed guidelines can be viewed on the department’s website at http://azgfdportal.az.gov/hunting/guidelines (PDF).

Comments on the proposed guidelines may be submitted through August 2 to AZHuntGuidelines@azgfd.gov, or by mail: Hunt Guidelines, Attn.: Amber Munig, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

The hunt guidelines provide the biological and social parameters used by wildlife managers to formulate the annual hunt recommendations (season structures, season lengths, season dates, permits allocated, etc.). These recommendations result in the hunts in which licensed hunters may participate. While hunting opportunity is important, wildlife is held in the public trust; therefore, using science-based principles to shape the guidelines process remains paramount to ensure healthy, sustainable and diverse wildlife populations in perpetuity.

“Your comments are important,” said Amber Munig, big game management supervisor. “The biological sideboards for managing wildlife and maintaining healthy, sustainable populations are fairly broad. Your input helps us fine-tune management within these sideboards. Please take a moment to give us your views.”

The final proposed hunt guidelines and all public comments, along with department responses to those comments, will be shared with the Arizona Game and Fish Commission at its September meeting in Flagstaff.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive general funds from the State of Arizona. The conservation and management of the state’s game animals is made possible by funding generated from the sale of hunting licenses, tags, and matching funds from the Wildlife Restoration Act, a federal excise tax that hunters and manufacturers pay on guns, ammunition and other hunting/shooting-related equipment.

Arizona motor vehicle crash deaths rose to 962 in 2016

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PHOENIX – Traffic fatalities on Arizona’s local roads and state highways climbed higher for the second straight year and driver behavior continues to be a leading factor in motor vehicle collisions, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report.

In 2016, 962 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes, 65 more than the year before, representing a 7.3 percent increase. The number of collisions also went up, rising 8.6 percent to 126,845. The increases in motor vehicle crashes and fatalities in Arizona follow national trends.

The Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report is a compilation of traffic crash reports provided to ADOT by law enforcement agencies around the state. A glance at the report reveals how better decisions made by motorists can save lives. Seat belts, speeding and reckless driving, and impairment are among the leading factors in traffic fatalities:

  • Buckle up – 250 of those killed last year weren’t using a seat belt.
  • Pay attention and obey speed limits – Speeding too fast for conditions is the most common driver violation and rear end is the most common manner of collision.
  • Don’t drive impaired – Annually, impaired driving crashes account for about 4 percent of all collisions and one-third of fatal collisions. Crashes involving impairment related to alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medication killed 406 people and injured 4,089 in 2016.

“Making travel safer begins before drivers turn the ignition,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Too many people make the deadly decision to drive impaired, whether by alcohol, prescription pills or other drugs, and put all of us at risk. None of us should accept this selfish behavior and it’s everyone’s business to stop impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.”

For the second year in a row, 406 people were killed in impaired driving-related collisions. However, alcohol-related fatalities decreased – falling from 329 people killed in 2015 to 307 in 2016 – while fatalities related to illegal drugs or prescription medication increased – rising from 77 in 2015 to 99 people killed in 2016.

“The gains made in reducing alcohol-related crashes and fatalities are steps in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done,” said Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Driving impaired is a choice and people need to be aware that it’s a choice they don’t have to make – there are many other ways to get home safely.”

The highest annual number of motor vehicle crash fatalities in Arizona – 1,301 – occurred in 2006. While collisions and fatalities have risen in recent years, 2016 totals are below where they were a decade ago, despite having nearly one million more licensed drivers and registered vehicles traveling today on Arizona’s roadways than in 2007.

“Impaired drivers continue to take the lives of our love ones and it is time for the community to spread the message that impaired driving is unacceptable,” said Col. Frank Milstead, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “I call on every driver to call 911 if impaired driving is suspected. Friends and family members must make every effort to take the keys away from impaired individuals or to call 911 for help when intervening.”

Pedestrian-involved crashes and fatalities spiked in 2016. The number of pedestrians killed rose to 197 in 2016 from 163 the year before and crashes increased by 16 percent, from 1,408 in 2015 to 1,637 last year.

The number of motorcycle operators and passengers killed in traffic crashes went up in 2016 to 144 from 134 the year before.

Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, noted the decline in the number of fatalities involving people who weren’t using seat belts, which fell from 258 in 2015 to 250 last year.

“While we’re encouraged to see a decrease, one death is still too many,” said Dr. Christ. “Make sure everyone is buckled up every time, regardless of how far, fast or familiar your drive may be.”

Here are other figures from the 2016 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report:

  • 574 fatal crashes occurred on other roadways, such as county roads or city streets, and 291 fatal crashes occurred on the state highway system.
  • 525 fatalities occurred in urban areas and 437 deaths occurred in rural areas.
  • Of all alcohol-related crashes, 78.8 percent occurred in urban areas and 21.2 percent in rural areas.
  • Among fatal crashes related to alcohol, 67 percent occurred in urban areas and 33 percent occurred in rural areas.
  • One person was killed in a motor vehicle crash every 9.11 hours.
  • Seven in 10 crashes occurred during daylight hours.
  • More crashes occurred in March than any other month with 11,391.
  • Friday was the peak day of the week for all crashes during 2016 with 22,133, while the most fatal crashes – 150 – occurred on Saturdays.

The ADOT 2016 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report is available at azdot.gov/CrashFacts.