Category Archives: Flagstaff

Inmate Death

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FLAGSTAFF – On Friday July 31, 2020, at approximately 2:11 pm, an inmate from the Coconino County Detention Facility died while at Flagstaff Medical Center.

On July 29, 2020 a local law enforcement agency was initiating the booking process into the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Temporary Holding Facility in Page, AZ. During the booking process, the arrestee refused to answer any medical related questions asked by our Detention Officers. Our Officers noticed a laceration on the arrestee’s finger that appeared red, swollen, and hot to the touch. Our Officers contacted the Detention medical staff in Flagstaff, relayed the information, and the arrestee was refused acceptance.

The arresting agency transported the arrestee to the Page Emergency Department. The arrestee refused all medical treatment while at the hospital. Ultimately the arrestee was transported back to the holding facility. Again, the arrestee refused to answer all medical questions and refused to allow vitals to be checked by our officers. Detention staff contacted the Detention Medical staff in Flagstaff, explained the arrestee’s refusal for treatment at the hospital and the refusal to answer medical questions and vitals to be checked. Because we had documentation that the arrestee had refused medical treatment and refused to answer our medical questions, our medical staff advised our officers to accept the arrestee. The arrestee was processed and booked into the Page holding facility.

On Friday morning, July 31, 2020, the inmate was on a transport from Page to be housed in the Flagstaff Facility pending further adjudication. While on transport the inmate began to have a medical related emergency. Our Detention Officers pulled over, contacted dispatch, requested emergency services and began life savings measures. Emergency Medical Services responded, took over life saving measures and transported the inmate to the Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC). The inmate was taken into emergency surgery and came out of surgery at approximately 1:00 pm. At 2:11 pm our officers guarding the inmate at FMC notified Sheriff’s Command staff that the inmate was deceased.

The cause of death is currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and pending autopsy and review by the Coconino County Medical Examiner. The name of the inmate and any further information is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Fire Restrictions to be Lifted Tuesday on Entire Kaibab National Forest

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WILLIAMS — Due to significant and widespread precipitation received across much of northern Arizona, the Kaibab National Forest will lift all fire restrictions on all three districts on Tuesday July 28 at 6:00 a.m.

Coconino County has also lifted fire restrictions in the unincorporated areas.

The area closure protecting the Bill Williams Mountain watershed will also be rescinded at this time, and visitors can once again camp, hike, and drive in the popular recreation areas. However, due to the hazardous nature of technical work in the higher elevations where steep slope fuels reduction operations have been occurring, a revised area closure will be forthcoming in September to ensure public safety on that portion of the mountain as work resumes.

The districts have received a substantial amount of rain over the last two weeks relaxing the danger levels across the forest. Each year fire officials closely monitor conditions before decisions are made to implement fire restrictions and area closures designed to protect human life, property and natural resources. These procedures are used to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions.

The Kaibab National Forest would like to express appreciation for all those who assisted our firefighters and patrol units with their compliance while under these conditions. When members of the public abide by fire restrictions and closures, they greatly help in protecting their public lands and adjacent communities from the threats posed by human-caused wildfires.

Wildfire north of Flagstaff producing noticeable smoke

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FLAGSTAFF — A wildfire approximately 4 miles north of Flagstaff on the west side of the San Francisco Peaks was reported at 5:30 a.m. today and is producing a lot of smoke visible to surrounding residents.The Twisted Fire is currently about 2 acres with minimal activity, and firefighting resources on scene include a Hotshot crew, several engines, a dozer, and water tender.

Coconino County Sheriff’s SAR Member & CERT Team Receive GEMS Awards

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office was honored by having its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and one of its Search and Rescue members, Dennis Gill, recognized by the Flagstaff GEMS Citywide Volunteer Recognition group, which was presented by the Civic Service Institute at NAU.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office CERT Team was awarded the GEMs 2020 “Civic Organization of the Year “award. CERT was recognized for its effort and work during the Museum Fire during the summer of 2019. CERT provided over 40 volunteers during the emergency working in support of multiple local government agencies.

CERT worked in the Call Center taking over 1500+ calls keeping residence and visitors informed on the latest information about the fire, closures and restrictions. CERT supported City and County Law Enforcement assisting with contacting residences in the fire threatened areas during pre-evacuation, evacuation and re -entry stages. CERT also assisted with neighborhood notifications for community meetings going door to door in flood threatened areas passing out flyers informing residence of upcoming meetings. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office CERT team has been supported and sponsored by the Sheriff’s Office since 2004 and comprised of 140+ members spread throughout the county.

Dennis Gill a 36-year member of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team was recognized as the GEMS 2020 “Volunteer of the Year.” Dennis over his career has responded to over 1000 missions and impacted hundreds of lives.

Over Dennis’s Career he has been the leader of the Technical Rescue, Dennis was one of the first members of the “Northern Arizona Interagency Helicopter Rescue Team”. Dennis also served multiple terms on the Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Board of Directors where he helped to manage funds, develop and facilitate training to help improve the capabilities of the team. His expertise and knowledge is counted on frequently to help manage and respond to incidents around the county.

Upcoming full closure on Interstate 40 east of Flagstaff June 26 – 29

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The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising drivers to plan for a full closure on Interstate 40 – about 30 miles east of Flagstaff – as work gets underway on the Two Guns bridge rehabilitation project.

While the following full closure is in place, drivers will use the on- and off-ramps at the I-40/Two Guns Road interchange (milepost 230) to exit and re-enter the highway: Starting at 8 p.m. Friday, June 26, and ending at 8 p.m. Monday, June 29.

Drivers should be prepared to slow down and make frequent stops while traveling through the construction zone.

Coconino County Fair modified due to COVID-19

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Parks and Recreation is modifying the 71st Coconino County Fair due to COVID-19 concerns. This decision was reached after months of deliberation, research and consultation with local health officials and the Board of Supervisors. Several county fairs in Arizona have cancelled their events this year due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

During the June 2 meeting, the Board of Supervisors supported a modified event that will incorporate measures to focus on 4-H youth member exhibits, the livestock auction, and online or virtual ways to engage the community in lieu of an in-person event at Fort Tuthill County Park. The safety and health of attendees, exhibitors and staff are very important to the County, as is continued support to area youth with their 4-H and livestock projects.

The Coconino County Fair is held every year over the Labor Day weekend at Fort Tuthill County Park fairgrounds with over 40,000 people attending the event who travel from across the county and the state, making it the largest event in Northern Arizona. The event regularly features a carnival with amusement rides, food and amusement vendors, and live entertainment. The County decided to support a modified event this year because of the event’s large attendance and the distance people travel.

“The Coconino County Fair is a long-standing tradition that residents and visitors look forward to all year. We are excited about the possibilities to come out of the difficult decision to modify this year’s event to focus on the 4-H exhibitors and junior livestock auction,” stated Coconino County Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “This is an opportunity for innovative thinking, and we can’t wait to see what the Parks and Recreation Department plans for the 2020 Coconino County Fair.”

Planning is currently underway for what components make up a modified county fair. Coconino County Parks & Recreation is asking the public to submit ideas about a modified County Fair at http://www.CoconinoCountyFair.com.

County Attorney respond to death of George Floyd

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COUNTY ATTORNEY BILL RING’S RESPONSE TO THE DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD

FLAGSTAFF — ) With regard to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota:

As the County Attorney of Coconino County, a land with great diversity of peoples, I condemn as intolerable the disgusting abuse we see in video and news media coverage of the death of George Floyd. Mr. Floyd should never have lost his life that day. Our shared Constitutional right to due process assured him that he would live through a compliant encounter with law enforcement. Except as we all have seen, trust in the equal application of that promise was tragically broken by
callousness and plain old deplorable meanness.

The fair administration of justice requires that the Minneapolis District Attorney and the Minnesota Attorney General review all the available evidence such as civilian videos, body-worn police cameras, eyewitness statements, statements from the officers if they choose to give them, and a complete forensic autopsy. The weight of the evidence will dictate those who are accused and their charges, along with the course of prosecution in pursuit of justice. The process of criminal justice is deliberate for a reason. We must seek what is true by way of what is correct so that the result is complete and the answers we learn are the basis for the restorative work ahead of us.

And yet there are the many peoples’ collective history of long walks and painful experiences that drive civil protests. Protestation and righteous discontent have been the driver of change in our democracy. I respect the right to grieve. Grievance can be uncomfortably loud at times and nonetheless be completed peacefully. I have always been proud of our community’s abilities in this regard. But like Dr. King, I do not condone violence. Mr. Floyd’s ultimate legacy will be a national commitment to improve our attitudes on race and justice, law enforcement training and performance review, and our commitment to achieve equal justice for all.

Letter from Sheriff Jim Driscoll

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FLAGSTAFF — As the Sheriff of Coconino County I share in the community’s shock and anger over the events recently occurring in Minneapolis. I greatly value the diversity and public trust of our citizens and constantly strive to maintain and strengthen our relationships with all of our communities.

I am outraged, as many of you are, by the actions of a few officers and will not tolerate similar behavior by anyone in my agency.

I understand and support the Constitutional rights of individuals to peaceably assemble and lawfully protest. However, I do not condone violence or unlawful activities.

My commitment to you is to maintain integrity, transparency and professionalism in fulfilling the duties of my sworn Oath of Office to protect and serve the citizens of Coconino County.

Busy first week of May for Sheriff’s Department

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COCONINO COUNTY – Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to an increased amount of calls for service the first weekend of May 2020. For the period of May 1st through the 3rd, 2020, Deputies responded to 661 calls for service. With the weather warming up, an increase in visitors and residents recreating outdoors was seen all over the county by the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to 584 total call for service during the previous weekend of April 24-26.

• Deputies responded to two attempted abductions of two young girls over the weekend, one in the Bellemont area and one in Kaibab Estates West. Both victims escaped and the Sheriff’s Office is still looking for the suspects.

• Deputies throughout the county responded to multiple reports of campfires and two reported wildfires.

• With a large portion of Lake Powell being closed, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Boat Patrol unit, which is based out of the Page area, patrolled Lake Mary over the weekend. The Boat Patrol was assisted by Sheriff’s Patrol Volunteers and AZ Game and Fish and spend Saturday and Sunday educating people on boating safety.

• Coconino Sheriff’s Search and Rescue teams responded to three search missions which occurred in Blue Ridge, on the San Francisco Peaks and in the Cinder Lakes recreation area. The search and rescue missions ranged from exhausted hikers, to missing hunters and overdue recreationists.

The chart below shows a comparison of some of the more common types of calls during the two weekends.

Attempted Abductions in Bellemont and Ash Fork Areas

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Flagstaff, AZ – On May 2 and 3, 2020, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to two different reports of abduction attempts on young females. One was in the residential area of Bellemont, west of Flagstaff off Interstate 40, and the second was in Kaibab Estates West, west of Williams, Arizona off Interstate 40.

The Bellemont incident occurred on May 2, 2020 around 6:00 pm in the area of Deer Springs and Greenfield. An unknown male subject approached and grabbed the victim, an 11-year-old girl. The suspect let the girl go when she screamed. The victim ran away from the suspect to her home and reported the incident. A Code Red was issued alerting community members. Multiple agencies responded to the area and conducted a search for the suspect but did not locate him. The suspect was described as a dark-complexioned male with long dark hair and a goatee. At the time of the Bellemont incident, he was wearing a black shirt. The suspect left on foot and there was no vehicle description.

The Kaibab Estates West incident occurred on May 3, 2020 around 2:00 pm near Hillside Dr. and Rincon Dr. The driver of a blue van offered a 15-year-old girl a ride. When she declined the ride and exited his vehicle, the suspect grabbed her by the arm and attempted to pull her into the vehicle. The 15-year-old fought back, striking the man in the face and was able to run to a nearby friend’s residence. A Code Red was issued alerting community members. Multiple agencies responded to the area and conducted a search for the suspect and vehicle, but neither were located. The suspect left the area in what the victim described as a blue minivan with a dent possibly in one of the doors. The suspect was described as a white male, 30 to 40 years of age, with short light-colored buzzed hair, slender and 5’10 to 6’ in height.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who has information about either incident, anyone who may have seen person(s) or vehicles matching the descriptions, or anyone who may have seen something suspicious, please call the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at (928) 774-4523, option 1 or Coconino County Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111.