Category Archives: Flagstaff

Coconino Sheriff’s Investigating Human Remains Found

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is investigating human remains found in the area west of Highway 89N, just south of the Navajo Nation boundary.

On October 7, 2018 around 9:00 a.m., hunters reported finding human remains near Cedar Wash and the Navajo Nation boundary. After the initial responding deputies confirmed the remains as human, Sheriff’s detectives and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the area for further investigation.

Although the investigation is still ongoing, the location and condition of the remains leads investigators to believe the remains may be those of Jackie McClellan Jr, who was reported as a Missing Person in December 2007. At that time, the family had reported that Jackie McClellan Jr had last been seen walking from the family’s sheep camp. The remains were found in the same general area as the sheep camp.

Positive identification of the remains is still pending by the Coconino Medical Examiner.

Safety Tips for homemade apple cider

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Service District (CCPHSD) advises residents to protect themselves against potential foodborne illness from apple cider. There is an abundance of apples in Coconino County this fall due to the lack of an early frost and people may be using apples to make apple cider.

Foodborne illnesses have been attributed to the consumption of fresh, unpasteurized cider contaminated with a foodborne pathogen like E. coli O157:H7. Certain age groups are at a greater risk of complications from harmful bacteria such as children, the elderly and persons with compromised immune systems.

CCPHSD recommends taking the following precautions to protect against foodborne illness when making homemade apple cider:

Avoid using apples that have visible signs of decay or mold growth.
Wash apples thoroughly before pressing or grinding to make cider.
Use a fruit press or small kitchen appliances to crush the fruit.
Wash hands and sanitizing equipment.
Place washed and rinsed utensils and equipment in a mixture of 1 tablespoon household bleach per gallon of water for at least 1 minute.
Squeeze juice through a clean, damp muslin cloth.
Pasteurize cider to ensure safety. Heat to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit and pour into warm jars to prevent breakage.
Store cider in the refrigerator for immediate use, or up to five days. Put cider in the freezer if you want to keep it longer.
Be sure to use strong, sound glass bottles that will not break during fermentation.
Boil unpasteurized apple cider before drinking it or drinking pasteurized cider or juice.

Caution: Young children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals should never drink fresh apple cider unless it has been heated to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

After each day’s cider making, all equipment should be:

Rinsed with potable water to remove apple and cider residue.
Washed with warm soapy water and a clean brush.
Sanitized with bleach diluted with clean, potable lukewarm water in a ratio of one-tablespoon bleach to one-gallon clean water. All utensils and equipment that contacted cider should be rinsed with this sanitizing solution.

Learn more about steps that can help keep you healthy and your fruits and vegetables safer to eat at https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/steps-healthy-fruits-veggies.html.

FRAUD ALERT – Phone Call with Person Posing as Sheriff Deputy

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is getting reports of fraudulent phone calls in which the person is claiming to be a Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputy and claiming to be calling about an outstanding warrant. The person goes on to say that you need to pay to take care of the outstanding warrant. THIS IS A SCAM – DO NOT FALL FOR THIS SCAM!

Unfortunately – Phone Scams have become a part of everyday life – so protect yourself by being informed.

  • Scammers often pose as real people affiliated with financial institutes, police officers, court officers, utility companies, credit card company, IRS, computer company, voter registration agency, a distant relative in need of help, etc. – they often use “authority” type positions to “bully” and “scare” people into falling victim to their scam. DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR DATE OF BIRTH, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION UNLESS YOU ARE SURE YOU ARE SPEAKING WITH A LEGITIMATE AGENT.
  • Scammers also use “feel good” scams and pose as a volunteer asking for donations for a charity, as a company offering you a prize, as a lawyer trying to contact you over an inheritance, as an agency offering to help you fix your credit. THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE VARIATIONS OF SCAMS THEY COME UP WITH – IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS
  • Scammers often “spoof” phone numbers to show up on caller ID to look like they are legitimate agency or local numbers
  • Scammers often ask for payment through Green Dot, Gift Cards, Smart Cards – The Sheriff’s Office would never ask you to pay a fine in this way. If they ask that payment be mailed to an address or post office box, you can confirm using the phone book or official web page of the agency if it is a legitimate address of the agency
  • Be very careful not to give out your personal information – even guard your phone number. Many phone apps actually access all of your contact information (the little “I accept” fine print when you download an app) which then gives an app developer access to information on your phone which they may then sell – This allows scammers to know your network of friends and to pose as them.
  • Be wary of calling back the number listed on caller ID (or replying to a text message) unless you can verify it’s legitimate. For example – you would want to use the phone number on the back of your credit card rather than a phone number provider by a caller to confirm whether what the caller told you was legitimate
  • Use Government pages in the phone book or the agency’s official website to get the official phone number to call back.

DON’T FALL VICTIM TO PHONE SCAMS

PROTECT YOURSELF:

  1. – Ask for written information
  2. – Ask a lot of questions
  3. – Check out the company on the Better Business Bureau
  4. – Tell the caller to put you on their do not call list
  5. – DO NOT SEND a check, cash, money wire, or give out your account information to anyone insisting immediate payment with which you did not initiate the contact

REPORT SCAMS TO YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

Coconino County Sheriff Investigating Single Vehicle Fatality Accident on Ashurst Road

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FLAGSTAFF – On September 28th at 10:53pm Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the report of a single vehicle accident with multiple injuries involving four occupants on FS 82E (Ashurst Lake Road).

Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies from Flagstaff, Mormon Lake Fire Department and Guardian Medical responded to Mile Post 0.5 on Forest Service Rd 82E. Reports indicated that a white Ford ½-ton pickup had gone off the road striking a tree on the driver’s side of the vehicle near the back-passenger door area, and that all four occupants were injured.

Upon arriving on scene, first responders found the passenger who was riding behind the driver had sustained traumatic injuries from the vehicle’s impact with the tree. The victim, Justin Denault, age 19 of Imperial, CA, was transported by Guardian Medical to Flagstaff Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The victim was later transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office for further investigation.

The other three passengers also were transported to the Flagstaff Medical Center where they were treated and released for lesser injuries.

Investigation into the cause of the accident is still on going. Sheriff’s Office investigators will be at the accident location the remainder of the day conducting scene investigation. More information will be made available as the investigation continues.

Missing Person Andrew Bauer Found Deceased

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of Andrew Bauer who was found deceased in the Baderville area. Andrew had been reported as a missing person on September 17, 2018.

On September 20, 2018, a person reported finding the body of a deceased person under a tree near a road bordering Baderville and the forest. Deputies and Detectives responded to the scene for further investigation, and the body was transported by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

On September 21, 2018 the deceased was positively identified as 18-year-old Andrew Bauer.

His death is still under investigation by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino County Public Health Services District Medical Examiner’s Office, however indicators exist that lead detectives to believe suicide may be a factor.

Missing Two-Year Old in Happy Jack Area Located Safe

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Coconino Sheriff Photo

Flagstaff – After several hours of searching, emergency responders located a two-year old boy who had wandered away from a family campsite in the Happy Jack, AZ area.

On September 21, 2018 around 9:45 am, a two-year old boy was reported as missing from his family’s campsite in the Happy Jack, AZ area. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office managed the search efforts and was assisted by several Northern Arizona agencies including, Coconino Sheriff Search and Rescue, US Forest Service, Arizona Game and Fish, Arizona Department of Public Safety. A Search and Rescue Dog Team and an AZ Department of Public Safety helicopter were deployed as part of the search efforts.

Search and Rescue personnel located the boy approximately ½ mile from the place he was last seen. He was walking and appeared to be responding to the calling out of his name by the searchers.
We are happy to report the boy and his family have been reunited. We express gratitude to the other agencies and personnel who assisted in the search.

Daytime maintenance project narrows US 180 to one lane in Valle, east of Flagstaff on Friday, September 21

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers that US 180 will be narrowed to one lane of alternating north- and southbound travel on Friday because of pavement-preservation work.

The work is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should plan for delays of 20 minutes or more while work is underway. Traffic-control personnel will direct motorists through the work zone.

Crews are working in 4-mile increments along a nearly 18-mile work zone just outside of Valle, east of Flagstaff.

The restriction is needed while crews apply a pavement surface treatment, which helps extend the life of the roadway.

SCAM ADVISORY – Recent Scam Targeting Mental Health Providers

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FLAGSTAFF – Today we’ve received at least two phone calls from mental health providers who have received fraudulent phone calls saying that they are being contacted regarding an emergency. In both cases, the scammer spoofed a legitimate phone number of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (928-226-5009) and the caller ID information (Coconino Cnty).

The scammer contacted them via their Psychology Today services. The scammer claimed to be an officer with the Sheriff’s Office (although he may vary this approach and use other aliases). The scammer said he was calling regarding an urgent or emergency situation. He provided a non-legitimate phone number requesting call back.

Variations of the scam may include claims that there is a pending lawsuit or civil issue that needs immediate attention. It is our belief that the scammer hopes the intended victim will call him on the phone number he leaves in his message rather than calling back to an official Sheriff’s Office number. It is likely the scammer is intending to fraudulently obtain either personal information or some type of payment from you.

Consider looking up and calling the legitimate (e.g. official website verified) phone number of an agency to verify claims made by the person calling you. Phone scammers are likely hoping you will try to call them back on other phone numbers they provide which then may compromise your private cell or home phone numbers to be used in their future scam schemes. Do not allow them to bully you.

Call the Sheriff’s Office on one of our legitimate phone numbers to report scams or if you have questions. Visit us at coconino.az.gov/sheriff for legitimate information on how to contact our office.

12-Year-Old Rescued After Being Injured in Climbing Accident

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FLAGSTAFF – On September 9, 2018 at approximately 1:20 PM the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit responded with the Flagstaff Fire Department and Guardian Medical Transport to a climbing accident at the climbing area known as The Pit which is accessed from the Canyon Vista Campground. Information gathered was that a 12-year-old male who was climbing with family members had fallen approximately 20 feet and was injured and in need of rescue.

Responders from Guardian Medical Transport, Flagstaff Fire Department, and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue hiked into the climber’s location and initiated treatment and transport out of the canyon in a basket litter to a waiting ambulance at the campground. The climber sustained a head injury and a wrist injury and was transported by ambulance to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment. The climber and his family were from the greater Phoenix area.

Investigation into the accident revealed that the climber was lead climbing a route known as The Microwave and fell while he was attempting to clip his rope to the third bolt fixed on the route. When he fell, the carabiners connected to the second bolt and first bolt broke causing the climber to land at the base of the climb after falling approximately 20 feet. Upon inspection it was determined that the carabiners that broke were not rated for climbing.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit would like to remind climbers to routinely inspect their equipment and ensure that the equipment they are using is rated for the activity that they are engaging in. Failure to use properly rated equipment could lead to a serious accident.

Sheriff’s Office Labor Day Holiday Activity Summary

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COCONINO COUNTY – The extended weekend encompassing August 31 – September 3 resulted in a large number of calls stemming from outdoor activity in Northern Arizona. The following is a summary of activity as best can be determined from dispatch and officer information available at the time of this media release.

During the extended Labor Day 2018 weekend, deputies responded to over 513 calls for service compared to 383 the previous Friday through Monday. These totals are comparable to the numbers of calls responded to over the 4-day weekend encompassing Memorial Day 2018 (455 calls) and the non-holiday weekend before Memorial Day 2018 (350).

In addition, deputies conducted 316 forest and community patrols and 83 traffic stops over the Labor Day weekend compared to 360 forest and community patrols and 47 traffic stops the previous, non-holiday weekend.

Deputies made multiple contacts with off-road vehicle operators and passengers throughout the county to promote off-road vehicle safety. A common safety violation they encountered was helmet violations. Deputies also made multiple contacts with boat operators and passengers on Lake Powell to promote water safety.

Common calls that deputies responded to over the Labor Day weekend included:

  • 46 disturbing the peace complaints (including off-road vehicle, weapons discharge/target shooting, fireworks, loud parties, complaints about neighboring campers, barking dog issues, etc.)
  • 38 emergency medical situations
  • 46 motorist and public assists (several calls related to public assists at the Coconino County Fair including 5 calls for lost children)
  • 45 assists to other agencies and attempt to locates
  • 35 suspicious activity incidents
  • 17 domestic disputes, assaults, threatening/intimidating related incidents
  • 22 (911) hang-up and alarm related calls
  • 12 fire related calls
  • several Search and Rescue calls (see below for synopsis)

Vehicle Collisions: The Sheriff’s Office received reports of 11 off-road vehicle collisions resulting in injuries.

Seven other vehicle collisions occurred on regular roadways. In all but one medical transport was either refused or not needed. Three of the collisions involved animals crossing the road.

Summary of off-road, recreation travel collisions:

  • August 31 around 10 pm – report of four males injured in off-road collision in the area of forest road 82 (near Blue Ridge). Vehicle reportedly struck a tree ejecting three people. Two patients in critical condition were transported by air, and two other patients were transported by ground medics.
  • August 31 around 11:30 pm – report of adult male injured in ATV rollover accident in the forest area outside of Munds Park. Upon arrival, no one was located at the scene, but the vehicle was still present.
  • September 1 around 8 am – report of adult male and teenage male injured in off-road vehicle accident in the Bear Canyon Lake area. Air medical also responded for patient transport.
  • September 1 around 12:45 pm – report of a teenage male involved in quad rollover accident in forest south of Flagstaff. The camping group self-transported him to medical care.
  • September 1 around 2 pm – report of male injured in dirt bike accident in the forested area around Pumpkin Center. The patient was transported by family to medical care.
  • September 1 around 4 pm – report of female injured in a boat accident near Anchovy Point, Lake Powell
  • September 1 around 4 pm – report of male injured in ATV accident in forested area around Willard Spring. One person was transported by ground medics.
  • September 2 around 9:30 am – report of “side-by-side” that flipped. Parties self-transported to medical care.
  • September 2 around 10:45 am – report of female injured in ATV accident in forested area near Kelly Canyon. Patient was transported by ground medics.
  • September 2 around 5 pm – report of 9-year-old boy and two adults injured in off-road vehicle collision in the Cinder Lakes recreation area. The passenger and boy were transported by ground medics.
  • September 2 around 6:30 pm – report single vehicle collision involving two young adults and their baby on forest road in the area of Walnut Canyon. One person was transported by ground medics.

Seven other vehicle collisions occurred on regular roadways. In all but one medical transport was either refused or not needed. Three of the collisions involved animals crossing the road.

Traffic / Moving Vehicle Stops: Deputies throughout the county conducted 83 traffic stops during the extended weekend, resulting in 18 citations and 15 written warnings.

Search and Rescue:

  • August 31 around 3:45 pm – report of a male hiker in West Fork who was in possible need of medical attention. Hiker later reported to no longer need assistance.
  • September 1 around 11 am – female was injured during fall in the area of West Fork. Patient required transport by rescue person via a litter carry to the trailhead / parking area.
  • September 1 around 3 pm – two young adult males were reported overdue to their campsite. They had been driving ATVs when they left their camp earlier in the morning. The were located and escorted back to their camp.
  • September 1 around 6 pm – deputy in Forest Lakes area located three lost hikers in the Bear Canyon area and provided them rides back to their camp
  • September 1 around 9:30 pm – received report of separated parties hiking Humphreys Trail. Parties were able to self-reunite and no longer needed assistance.
  • September 2 around 12:30 pm – a 21-year-old female on a 21-day group hike was reported to be in anaphylaxis. Several agencies were involved in the search to attempt to locate the patient in the area of Chevelon Lake and Horse Trap. The patient was transported by Arizona Department of Public Safety Northern Air Rescue.
  • September 2 around 5:45 pm – report of 7 teenagers overdue to their campsite at Bear Canyon Lake. Game and Fish officers assisted and learned all had returned safely to the camp.
  • September 3 around 9:45 am – report of a female hiker who had been stuck in quick sand in the Paria Canyon near Big Springs since the previous afternoon. Arizona Department of Public Safety Northern Air Rescue and Search and Rescue responded to rescue the person.
  • September 3 around 8:30 pm – assisted Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office in response to multiple vehicles caught in swift moving water and mud in the area of Perkinsville Road and Drake Road (south of Williams, AZ)

Deaths:

  • On September 1, 2018, deputies responded to a male subject who committed suicide at a residence in Greers Trailer Park.
  • On September 1, 2018 deputies responded to a male subject who was found unresponsive in a bathroom at Knoll Lake.

Detention Facility: The Coconino County Detention Facility Flagstaff Facility which receives arrested persons from multiple agencies throughout Northern Arizona (including: Coconino Sheriff’s Office, Flagstaff Police Department, Northern Arizona University Police, Williams Police, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, as well as federal and state agencies) processed 105 bookings from August 31, 2018 through September 3, 2018. The majority of these booking occurred at the Flagstaff facility; 18 bookings occurred in the Page facility.

Of those bookings, 34 had felony related charges. Bookings by type of offense included (but were not limited to), 6 aggravated assault, 8 other assault, 8 DUI’s, 29 wants or warrants (e.g., failure to appear, failure to comply, probation violation, other warrants), 10 disorderly conduct, 9 drug offenses, 8 court remands, 4 trespass offenses, 4 driving offenses, 1 sex offense, 1 endangerment offense, 1 burglary offense.

Thank you to the other agencies who assisted: The Sheriff’s Office thanks all those individuals and other public safety agencies that assisted with responses during this holiday weekend and in helping to keep our community safe.