Category Archives: Coconino County

Freeman no longer a free man

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WILLIAMS – All three suspects who fled police this morning are now in custody.

At approximately 10:45 AM, a Yavapai County Sheriff K9 attempted to stop a maroon 4 door sedan for a traffic violation east I-40 in the Ash Fork area. As the vehicle failed to yield, a male passenger appeared to be thrown from the vehicle and was detained.
The k9 unit pursued the vehicle at speeds in excess of 100 mph. The vehicle apparently became disabled and pulled off at milepost 165 near the Bearizona attraction and crashed into a culvert.

One of the remaining two suspects was apprehended almost immediately at the ADOT yard on Route 66 near the Bearizona Wild Life park. The suspect identified as John Dale Freeman fired shots at deputies and fled beginning a six-hour manhunt with units of the Yavapai County and Coconino County Sheriff’s Departments, the Williams Police Department and the Department of Public Safety including the DPS helicopter. The Arizona Department of Transportation also assisted and Kaibab Forest Rangers may have also participated. None of the search party were injured in the event.

Arizona DPS helicopter flies over Williams searching for suspect.


Schools in Williams were locked down as was Bearizona. Guests of Bearizona were gathered in the Gift Shop and Restaurant area for a couple of hours. They were eventually allowed to evacuate the park. Parents of Williams were required to pick up their kids from schools early and kids in outlying areas were bused home at the regular time.

Freeman in custody.


Various reports of sightings of Freeman occurred in Williams with none being confirmed. The search continued in the forested areas around Bearizona until about 3:30 p.m. when Freeman was reported captured outside of Bearizona. The other two suspects have not yet been identified.

Freeman turns from camera while in police vehicle.


Citizens around Williams reported recognizing Freeman as frequenting the Williams area. Others in Flagstaff reported on the Facebook page of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Department that they recognized him around Flagstaff. Freeman may have lived in Williams according to some accounts. Our research shows that Freeman may have a criminal past.

High speed chase ends in crash and manhunt in Williams

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WILLIAMS – A chase by Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies which began in Ash Fork ended in a crash at exit 165 in Williams at about 11. It appears there were three suspects, one was injured in the crash and one was apprehended at the ADOT yard on Route 66. A manhunt is in effect for one suspect, considered armed and dangerous.

Williams schools are currently on lock-down. Bearizona was on lock-down, but it appears they are allowing traffic out of the wild life park, but traffic is still being re-routed on Route 66. Traffic on I-40 still appears to be moving.

Details are not known about the cause of the chase or what the suspects were wanted for. There were gunshots fired, but there are no reports of injuries at this time.

Units from the Williams Police Department, Coconino County Sheriff’s office and the Department of Public Safety are participating in the search.

County Supervisor hosts “Grappling with Gridlock” Community Forum

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FLAGSTAFF – “Grappling with Gridlock,” from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2017 at the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Branigar-Chase Auditorium. Participation is limited to the first 100 people who register online at https://gridlock.eventbrite.com. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the forum begins promptly at 6 p.m.

For those unable to attend the March 30 event, Babbott has scheduled a follow-up discussion from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., April 6 in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at 219 E. Cherry Ave. Flagstaff. The public is invited to attend and no registration is required for this event.

Tens of thousands of visitors come to northern Arizona on weekends for recreation. Traffic congestion and gridlock on the Highway 180 scenic corridor north and west of Flagstaff sometimes reach extreme levels, creating negative impacts on emergency services, traffic enforcement, and quality of life for both residents and visitors.

Babbott considers traffic gridlock on the 180 corridor a public safety crisis and is determined to find relief for residents. “When it takes two hours to go eight miles, there is no way first responders — including police and ambulance service providers — can serve our neighborhoods and communities effectively,” said Babbott.

Several participants in the forum will give short presentations on the impacts of 180 gridlock, including local resident Adam Diebel, Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll, Arizona Department of Transportation Engineer Audra Merrick, Coconino National Forest Supervisor Laura Jo West, and Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans.

Babbott will be seeking ideas and perspectives from all participants, especially those directly affected by the traffic congestion. He will also be seeking input on three proposals for relief that fit within current funding and political realities. Two of the proposals would create local funding sources for alternative means of transport to and from recreational hotspots. The third would enable a temporary alternative route to Interstate 40 when needed.

Babbott’s proposals will depend on public-private partnerships to be successful. “The gridlock, congestion, quality of life and public safety issues surrounding peak demand weekends on the Highway 180 corridor can only be addressed by bold and innovative actions,” said Babbott. “I’m counting on everyone to roll up their sleeves to help make gridlock a thing of the past.”

Body found below Midgley Bridge identified

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Oak Creek Canyon – The person whose body was recovered yesterday afternoon from the creek below Midgley Bridge has been identified as a 20 year-old, male who was a student at Arizona State University (ASU). His body was located by hikers on February 28, 2107 in the creek below Midgley Bridge. Sedona Fire responded and confirmed the subject was deceased. Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue recovered the body. Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Detectives preliminarily identified the subject by information in his wallet and located his vehicle in the parking lot at Midgley Bridge.

Although the body had been located below Midgley Bridge, investigators were at first cautious about referring to the case as a suicide until further investigation could be conducted. The condition of the body did not show many of the external indicators typically associated with suicides from Midgely Bridge.

As the investigation continued, it was learned the student had been reported missing by family to ASU Police Department which contacted Northern Arizona University (NAU) Police Department on February 27, 2017. It was learned the subject had last been seen on February 26, 2017 visiting a friend at NAU. NAU PD entered him as a missing person into the National Crime Information Center database as missing and endangered based on suicidal statements that investigators learned he had made.

Investigation is still ongoing and pending results from the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Coconino Community Development annual training

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Community Development will have an all staff training 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 1.

Community Development will be open and limited staff will be available to answer phones. However, subject matter experts will not be available to answer questions. Customers are encouraged to submit payments and ask questions after 1 p.m. on March 1.

Community Development staff undergo training annually to better serve the residents of Coconino County. Training for the department will focus on communication and team building.

For more information or questions, please call 928-679-8850.

Free seasonal flu shots available

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is offering free seasonal flu vaccinations.

The free flu vaccination clinics will be held on Friday, Feb. 24 from 8 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 5 pm and Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9 am to 1 pm at the CCPHSD Clinic located at 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff. Appointments are available by call 928-679-7222 or toll-free at 1-877-679-7272. Walk-ins are welcome.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that flu vaccination efforts continue throughout the flu season. According to the CDC, Flu activity can occur as late as May.

“Because flu activity can continue well into spring, it’s not too late to protect yourself from illness by getting a flu shot,” said Marie Peoples, CCPHSD Chief Health Officer.

“A yearly flu vaccination is the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.”

It is strongly recommended that everyone 6 months old and over get a flu shot each year. It’s especially important that the following groups get a flu vaccination either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications, including:

· Pregnant women
· Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2
· People 50 years of age and older
· People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
· People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
· People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
· Health care workers
· Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
· Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Flu symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes and can cause death.

In addition to getting a seasonal flu shot, good health habits will help you stay well. These simple actions can stop the spread of germs and help protect you and others from getting sick:

· Wash your hands frequently during the flu season.
· Avoid touching your 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.
· Don’t share eating utensils, cups, and straws.
· Stay home when you are sick.

Additional information is available at www.coconino.az.gov/health. Contact your health care provider or call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Clinic at 928-679-7222 or toll-free at 1-877-679-7272.

Maine Consolidated School District seeking Governing Board applicants

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment to the Maine Consolidated School District Governing Board. There are currently two vacant seats.

The appointments will be two-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2018.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses can’t be an employee of the district.

Application information:
· Download the application here http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
· Deadline to submit is Monday, March 13 by 5 p.m.
· Submit by email kgraves@coconino.az.gov (Live signature original required)
· Submit by fax 928-526-1469 (Live signature original required)
· Mail/drop off Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member will be assembled to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointments.

For more information, please call Kim Graves at the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or e-mail: kgraves@coconino.az.gov.

Summer ramada reservations available for County parks

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FLAGSTAFF – County Parks and Recreation will begin accepting summer ramada reservations on Feb. 21, 2017. There are 11 ramadas at four County parks available for rental.

Ramadas are used to host parties, reunions and get-togethers. They are available for rent seven days a week, for half or full days.

Customers may reserve a ramada online by going to Coconino.az.gov/Parks/Ramadas. People may also reserve them by going to the Parks and Recreation Administration office located at Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, Arizona Regular business hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Prices range from $46-$114 for ramada rentals. A staff member will follow up with a confirmation within one business day. For reservations less than 24 hours in advance or questions, please call the Administration office at (928) 679-8000.

Fredonia Moccasin School District seeking Governing Board applicants

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment to the Fredonia Moccasin Unified School District Governing Board. There is one vacant seat.

The appointment will be a two-year term ending December 31, 2018.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses can’t be an employee of the district.

Application information:
· Download the application here http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
· Deadline to submit is Monday, March 13 by 5 p.m.
· Submit by email kgraves@coconino.az.gov (Live signature original required)
· Submit by fax 928 526-1469 (Live signature original required)
· Mail/drop off Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N. Steves Blvd., Flagstaff, AZ 86004

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member will be assembled to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointment.

For more information, please call Kim Graves at the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928 679-8070 or e-mail: kgraves@coconino.az.gov.

CAVIAT Board Vacancy at Grand Canyon Unified School District

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment to the Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology (CAVIAT) Governing Board. One vacant seat is eligible to residents of the Grand Canyon Unified School District.

Per CAVIAT Bylaws, the appointment will be a four-year term ending Dec. 31, 2020.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses can’t be an employee of the district.

Application information:
· Download the application here http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
· Deadline to submit is Monday, March 13 by 5 p.m.
· Submit by email kgraves@coconino.az.gov (Live signature original required)
· Submit by fax 928-526-1469 (Live signature original required)
· Mail/drop off Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member will be assembled to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointment.

For more information, please call Kim Graves at the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or e-mail: kgraves@coconino.az.gov.