Category Archives: Flagstaff

Arrest Made in Sasha Krause Homicide Case

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FLAGSTAFF – On April 21, 2020 around 9:20 am, Detectives from Coconino County Sheriff’s Office accompanied by Detectives from San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico served search warrants and arrested Mark Gooch at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, AZ for the homicide of Sasha Krause. Sasha Krause had been reported as a missing person from the Mennonite Community in Farmington, NM in January 2020. She was located deceased in Coconino County in February 2020.

Detectives with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, through their investigation, learned that during the time Sasha Krause went missing, Gooch had traveled from Luke Air Force Base, where he lives, to Farmington, New Mexico. Further investigation placed Gooch near Sunset Crater in Coconino County where Krause’s body was located.

Multiple state and federal agencies worked together on this investigation which led to the arrest of Gooch. Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll would like to thank San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari and his staff for their ongoing coordinated efforts in the investigation, the Department of Public Safety Crime Lab, Glendale Police Department, Office of Special Investigation Detachment 421, U.S. Air Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The investigation is still on going, and no further information is available at this time.

Forest Service Takes Steps to Reduce Human Caused Wildfire during Global Pandemic

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ALBUQUERQUE – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, Southwestern Region is enacting a campfire ban to protect the health and safety of employees and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning April 22, igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire will be prohibited on all six national forests in Arizona until June 30, 2020, or until rescinded.

Forest Service officials are taking the necessary steps to ensure first responders are available to safely respond and manage incidents. This campfire restriction will prevent the drawdown of fire and medical resources to unwanted human-caused wildfires and reduce firefighter exposure to COVID-19 during the current pandemic.

“While we know that going outside provides forest and grassland visitors needed space, exercise and satisfaction, we are taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously,” said Acting Regional Forester Elaine Kohrman. “We are providing some recreation opportunities where we can while protecting and keeping employees, the public and our communities safe from the virus and unwanted human-caused wildfires.”

The following is prohibited under the April 22 campfire ban order:

Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, including charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves.

Violating the campfire ban may result in an appearance in federal court, fines, and possible time in jail. Forest visitors will still be able to use pressurized liquid or gas devices (stoves, grills or lanterns) with shut-off valves, in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials. While these restrictions are in place, the majority of the six national forests in Arizona are still open, and dispersed camping – outside of developed campsites – and other recreation opportunities are available.

Visit the Interactive Visitor Map at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ivm for more information on available activities. For additional information on COVID-19, go to https://www.coronavirus.gov. Information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available at: www.usda.gov/coronavirus. Information on public lands use in Arizona is available at https://tourism.az.gov/responsible-recreation-across-arizona/

Deputies arrest barricaded subject for Possession of Stolen Vehicle

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Tyler Littlefield – CCSO Booking Photo

FLAGSTAFF – On April 12, 2020 Deputies were called to the area of Burris Lane, for a report of a possible stolen dump truck. Upon arrival Deputies were told by the reporting party that the dump truck was stuck in the mud in the neighborhood near the East end of Burris Lane and it was occupied by one male subject.

Deputies located the dump truck and made verbal contact with the Driver. The Driver refused to follow commands or exit the vehicle. Deputies continued negotiations for approximately 1-hour until the suspect finally exited the vehicle and was then taken into custody without further incident.

The suspect had broken into a landscape company in Flagstaff where he stole a dump truck. The suspect then drove to Grey Mountain where he stole some merchandise from the convenience store. The suspect then drove back to the Flagstaff area.

While on the way back to Flagstaff the suspect was reportedly driving erratically. The vehicle drove through some driveways and yards in the area of Burris Lane, causing damage due to the deep mud.

Tyler Littlefield, a 27 year old Flagstaff resident, was arrested and booked into the Coconino County Jail for Theft of Means of Transportation, Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal Damage (2 Counts) 2nd Degree Trespass, and Resisting Arrest.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Public, Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Flagstaff Police Department for their assistance during this incident. The incident remains under investigation and additional charges may be filed at a
later date.

ADOT reopens two northern Arizona rest areas to support trucking

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Christensen Rest Stop along I-17

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has temporarily reopened two long-shuttered northern Arizona rest areas to support truckers hauling essentials during the current public health situation.

The Parks Rest Area along Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff (milepost 182) and the Christensen Rest Area on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff (milepost 324) offer parking, portable toilets and handwashing stations exclusively for commercial vehicle drivers.

“Long-haul truckers are working tirelessly to support our nation during this difficult time, and we will do all we can to support them,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Opening these temporary rest stops provides a place for drivers to get the rest they need as they help all of us.”

ADOT crews have been busy restriping the parking lots of both rest areas. Portable toilets and handwashing stations have been brought in, as well as trash bins. There will be staff at the rest areas for a few hours every day.

The Parks and Christensen rest areas are only available to commercial vehicles. Other ADOT rest areas remain open for all travelers, with staff following enhanced sanitation protocols including regularly wiping down frequently touched surfaces.

With services available in and around Flagstaff, and along I-40 and I-17, Christensen closed in 2002 and Parks closed in 2009.There are no plans to reopen either rest area permanently.

To learn more about other ADOT’s efforts to support Arizonans during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit azdot.gov/covid-19-resource-center.

County weekday COVID-19 media availability updated call-in number

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Media Availability call-in number is changing. Please call 623-473-9267, and use the Conference ID number 46969762# to log in.

Media availability on the County COVID-19 response will continue at 4 p.m., weekdays via conference call. County Incident Command will give a short briefing on the County COVID-19 response and take questions from the media following the briefing.

County Board of Supervisors issue statement to close Grand Canyon National Park

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FLAGSTAFF — The following is a statement from the Coconino County Board of Supervisors regarding the closing of the Grand Canyon National Park.

“For the safety and health of Coconino County healthcare providers, residents and visitors, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors strongly urge Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to close Grand Canyon National Park due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board also calls on local, state and federal officials to join the Board in calling for the closure of the park.

“The Grand Canyon is the crown jewel of parks across the County and country. However, it is important that the park adheres to proven guidance to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing measures in response to pandemics work. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, closures aimed to reduce the spread of infection have been proven to be extremely effective. Keeping the park open and allowing travelers from all over the world to come here and risk spreading COVID-19 is an unnecessary risk.

Locally elected officials know their communities and how best to look out for the public health of the people they serve. Leaders in Washington D.C. should heed, and seek out, the advice of, local leaders for the safety of Coconino County, the state and the nation.”

STATEMENT FROM COCONINO COUNTY ATTORNEY BILL RING

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“Coconino County, in partnership with local, state, and federal partners is actively working to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The health and safety of our residents is our top priority.

Preserving justice and public safety are critical aspects of our community response. Justice and the sense of basic fairness that we all share is what binds us together. There are hundreds of courtrooms around Arizona, from small towns to large cities, and from small counties to the Arizona Supreme Court. Included among these is the Coconino County Attorney’s Office, composed of 22 attorneys and 25 support staff. As civil servants, we serve the interests of Justice and Liberty in our communities, our County and in the State of Arizona.

In difficult times such as these, prosecutors are challenged to consider what justice and fairness require of us under the circumstances. The Governor has declared a State of Emergency and the Arizona Supreme Court and our local Superior Court have crafted Administrative Orders to provide the necessary procedures of judicial administration to protect our staff and the public, but that do not alter the meaning of Justice.

The County Attorney’s office will alter some procedures to include:

  1. Reducing, for a limited time, the number of individuals coming into physical contact with the criminal justice system. Cases and interests will be addressed virtually, through all available technologies.
  2. Enhancing our collaborations with law enforcement, the courts, defense counsel, probation departments, and especially the victims of crime.
  3. Protecting our most vulnerable citizens.

The role of Prosecutor is an honorable one, and a critical position occupied continuously by caring people. We take public welfare seriously. We, the prosecutors of the Coconino County Attorney’s Office, wish you good health while we fulfill our public duty.”

Coconino County Health officials confirm first death due to COVID-19

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) confirmed the first COVID-19 related death in Coconino County. The individual was a male in his 50s with underlying health conditions.

CCHHS is working to identify and contact anyone who may have been in close contact with the decedent. These individuals will be asked to quarantine or isolate as necessary and will be monitored by public health for fever and respiratory symptoms.

“Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time,” said County Incident Commander and Deputy County Manager Dr. Marie Peoples. “We share in this family’s grief and are deeply committed to doing all we can to ensure the health and safety of our community. We urge everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and their family including washing their hands frequently, staying home when they are sick and contacting a healthcare provider for medical guidance. “

To date, there have been 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Coconino County. COVID-19 can be a serious disease, especially in elderly populations and people with underlying health conditions.

CCHHS urges people to continue to take precautions. The best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

COVID-19 spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough and difficulty breathing. For people with mild illness, individuals are asked to stay home, drink plenty of fluids and rest. For people with more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, individuals are advised to seek healthcare.

Coconino County activated the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on March 12, 2020. The EOC coordinates the County’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.coconino.az.gov/covid19 or email COVID19Information@coconino.az.gov.

Coconino NF closing developed recreation sites

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., March 24, 2020 — Coconino National Forest has closed its developed recreation and day-use sites indefinitely to protect public and employee health, as well as align with state and local measures already in place to lessen the impact of COVID-19.

The vast majority of the forest is still open to visitors who want to spend time outdoors participating in recreational opportunities that support social distancing, such as hiking and biking on trails, and dispersed camping.

However, the following developed recreation sites, facilities, and restrooms are closed. More sites may close in the future, depending on the situation, as circumstances can change rapidly in response to COVID-19:

Day-Use Sites

  1. Banjo Bill Picnic Site
  2. Bootlegger Picnic Site
  3. Clints Well Picnic Site
  4. Encinoso Picnic Site
  5. Fossil Creek Area
  6. Halfway Picnic Site
  7. Long Valley Day-Use Site
  8. Oak Creek Vista

Group Campgrounds

  1. Chavez Crossing Group Campground
  2. Clear Creek Group Campground
  3. Dairy Springs Group Campground
  4. Elks Group Group Campground
  5. Long Valley Work Center Group Campground
  6. Moqui Group Campground
  7. O’Leary Group Campground

Heritage Sites

  1. Honanki Heritage Site
  2. Palatki Heritage Site
  3. V Bar V Heritage Site

Rental Cabins

  1. Apache Maid Cabin
  2. Crescent Moon Cabin
  3. Fernow Cabin
  4. Kendrick Cabin

Single Family Unit Campgrounds

  1. Ashurst Lake Campground
  2. Bonito Campground
  3. Blue Ridge Campground
  4. Canyon Vista Campground
  5. Cave Springs Campground
  6. Clear Creek Campground
  7. Clints Well Campground
  8. Dairy Springs Campground
  9. Double Springs Campground
  10. Kehl Springs Campground
  11. Knoll Lake Campground
  12. Lakeview Campground
  13. Little Elden Springs Campground
  14. Lockett Meadow Campground
  15. Manzanita Campground
  16. Pine Flat Campground
  17. Pine Grove Campground
  18. Rock Crossing Campground

Visitor Centers

  1. Red Rock Ranger Station & Visitor Center
  2. Oak Creek Visitor Center

Notifications to those who have made any reservations will be made as soon as possible and refunds will be processed.

Visitors should mitigate resource impacts wherever they recreate by taking their trash with them when they depart and appropriately managing human waste by burying it at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water, trails and recreation sites.

All Coconino National Forests offices are conducting business and providing services virtually. While being outside is believed to be safer than indoor spaces, visitors to national forests are urged to take the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended precautions.

Members of the public who have additional questions that cannot be answered through the Coconino National Forest website can contact one of our ranger stations:

  • Forest Supervisor’s Office: 928-527-3600, then press “0.”
  • Flagstaff Ranger Station: 928-527-8279.
  • Mogollon Rim Ranger Station: 928-477-2255.
  • Red Rock Ranger Station & Visitor’s Center: 928-203-2900, then press “0.”

Presumptive positive case of COVID-19 reported in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) confirmed the first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Coconino County. The test was conducted by TGen North Clinical Laboratory.

The individual is from the greater Flagstaff area and is over 60-years old, which is considered a vulnerable population. CCHHS is conducting an investigation regarding the case to identify other individuals potentially exposed to the illness. Close contacts of the individual will be contacted by CCHHS staff and provided appropriate information. The CCHHS Communicable Disease is monitoring the person who is under home isolation. Due to medical privacy requirements and to protect the person’s identity, further information about this case will not be released.

“The County’s number one priority is the safety of our residents,” said Chair of the Board Lena Fowler. “We have complete faith in our public health officials, our community leaders and partners to manage our response to the pandemic. While information continues to change and more cases are identified, we encourage people to stay calm. If you’re sick, please stay home and contact a health care provider to obtain medical guidance.”

CCHHS is working closely with healthcare providers and partner organizations to continue to monitor the virus. People who are experiencing respiratory symptoms, including cough, fever and shortness of breath, and have either been in contact with someone who was tested positive, traveled to China or other areas experiencing community spread of the virus, or respiratory testing has not identified a known illness should be evaluated for testing. COVID-19 testing is conducted at the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory and in partnership with TGen North Clinical Laboratory.

“The CCHHS Communicable Disease team is determining potential exposures from this case,” said County COVID-19 Incident Commander Dr. Marie Peoples. “As the illness spreads in the U.S., the County has been educating people about prevention and working with health care providers and community partners to monitor and test potential cases. We encourage everyone to take actions to prevent the spread of respiratory illness.”

According to public health officials, the immediate risk of COVID-19 infection to individuals in Coconino County is still believed to be relatively low. Symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever, cough and shortness of breath consistent with other respiratory illness. Reported illnesses range from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill.

Some people may be at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:

Older adults and people who have serious underlying medical conditions like:

Heart disease
Diabetes
Lung disease

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. As a reminder, CCHHS recommends actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Get a seasonal flu shot
• Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth with your upper sleeve or with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The County has set-up a CVOID-19 Information Line. People are encouraged to call 928-679-7300 if they have any questions. The Information Line is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. People can also email: covid19information@coconino.az.gov.

Please go to www.coconino.az.gov/covid19 for more information.

TGen’s Pathogen and Microbiome Division in Flagstaff, also known as TGen North, studies disease caused by bacteria, virus, fungi and parasites. More information is available at https://www.tgen.org. TGen, an affiliate of City of Hope, is a non-profit biomedical research institute headquartered in Phoenix.