Category Archives: Coconino County Sheriff

Missing Person Located Deceased in Wupatki National Monument

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FLAGSTAFF — On Saturday October 29th, 2022 at 4:08 pm, Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Antelope Hills area along Hwy 89 for the report of a Trespass in Progress. When Department of Public Safety Troopers arrived, the subject had left the area. Deputies and DPS Troopers were advised by witnesses the subject was last seen walking northbound on Hwy 89.

Deputies on scene were able to identify the individual as Conan Stults, a 46 year old male out of Utah, through personal property left on scene. An extensive attempt to locate was conducted by Deputies and DPS with negative contact. After multiple hours of attempting to locate and Stults not returning to his vehicle, Coconino County Search and Rescue units were requested.

Search and Rescue efforts continued through the weekend into Monday. On Monday October 31st, at approximately 11:36 am, a Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue dog team located Stults deceased within Wupatki National Monument, south of the Lomaki Pueblo area.

This incident remains under investigation by CCSO and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Department of Public Safety, the Flagstaff Area National Monuments, and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office for their assistance.

Missouri man shot after threatening officers with a screwdriver

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FLAGSTAFF — At 0530 on September 7th, there was an Officer involved shooting at the intersection of North Highway 89 and Cummings Street. The shooting resulted in the death of one adult male who was identified as 51-year-old Donald Wayne Henry of Missouri.

The Flagstaff Police responded to a call of a male subject breaking a gas station window and entering the business taking items from the store. At the same time the Sheriff’s Office received a call for a subject threatening to stab people with a knife in the same area at a nearby business.

When the FPD Officer arrived, he contacted the man in the middle of the intersection. The male subject produced a screwdriver and advanced towards the officer in a threatening manner. The officer drew his Taser and the male then fled on foot.

CCSO Deputies arrived and assisted the Officer. The man refused multiple commands to stop and to drop the screwdriver. He fled from the officers and ran across the road. The Officer and Deputies followed him and surrounded him. More verbal commands were given, which the man refused to comply with.

The male once again brandished the screwdriver and threatened the Deputy by charging towards him. The Deputy ultimately had to resort to deadly force to stop the threat as he was being charged. The FPD Officer fired his Taser at the same time the shots were fired by the Deputy.

Body camera footage and still photos have been uploaded to the FPD Transparency webpage at: https://fpdtransparency.com.

In-Custody Inmate Death-Apparent Suicide

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FLAGSTAFF – On Monday July 4th at approximately 7:51 AM, while conducting a security and welfare check, a Sergeant discovered an inmate hanging by a bed sheet which was tied around the neck and tied to the ladder attached to the bunk in the cell. The Sergeant immediately called for additional staff for assistance and began Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and other lifesaving measures. Additionally, they requested a response of Emergency Medical Services. CPR was conducted by staff until personnel from Guardian Medical Transport and the Flagstaff Fire Department arrived and took over lifesaving efforts. Emergency medical personnel performed CPR until 8:26 AM, at which time, the individual was declared deceased.

The individual has been identified as Clayton James Thornburg, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Thornburg was housed in a cell by himself. Mr. Thornburg was not on suicide watch at the time. At this time no foul play is suspected and it appears that Mr. Thornburg died by apparent suicide.

Mr. Thornburg had been arrested on June 25, 2022 by the Williams Police Department and currently being held on a Felony charge of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Dangerous Instrument with a $15,000 bond. He also was being held on three Felony Warrants out of Maricopa County.

The death is currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and pending autopsy and review by the Coconino County Medical Examiner.

READY, SET, GO Status Changes for Elden Lookout Rd, Doney Park South, and Alpine Ranchos East

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FLAGSTAFF — After meeting with the Great Basin Type 1 team managing the Pipeline and Haywire Fires, it has been determined that it is safe to downgrade some areas on evacuation status.

The following changes will be effective immediately:

– The neighborhoods that were put in “SET” along Mt. Elden Lookout Road will be downgraded to “READY” status.

– The south portion of Doney Park (south of Silver Saddle Road to Townsend Winona Road) that are in “SET” will be downgraded to “READY” status. The north portion of Doney Park (north of Silver Saddle Road) will remain in “SET” status.

– The eastern portion of Alpine Ranchos that is currently in “GO” status will be downgraded to “SET” status. That are is open to re-entry immediately. The western portion of Alpine Ranchos/Crater Estates, to include the private properties around Moon Crater will remain in “GO” status. This is due to the Haywire Fires continual active status.

For details on the boundary between the east and west Alpine Ranchos visit the Coconino County Situational Awareness Viewer at http://ow.ly/2Nll50JvzE5. Due to the rural nature of this area, it is difficult to establish and describe a clear boundary.

The area north of Wupatki Trails along Hwy 89 north to Sacred Mountain Trading Post will remain in “GO” status. The Pipeline Fire is still very active in this area and is in close proximity to private land and the Medicine Valley residences.

If you require assistance or have questions, contact the Fire Call Center at 928-679-8525 between the hours of 7:00 AM and
7:00 PM.

We want to remind the citizens in the “SET” areas that they are still required to be ready to evacuate at a moments notice.
The best way to receive updates on evacuation status is to sign up for emergency notifications through Coconino County Emergency Management. To sign up for Emergency Notifications visit www.Coconino.az.gov/ready.

To follow the current evacuation status for the Pipeline and Haywire Fire, please visit http://ow.ly/2Nll50JvzE5.

Officials Responding to New Haywire Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – The Pipeline Fire, located 6 miles north of Flagstaff, was reported June 12, 2022, at 10:15 a.m. by a fire lookout and is currently 4,500 acres and active on all sides.

Another fire has been reported, known as the Haywire Fire, northeast of the Pipeline Fire. The fire has burned 1,600 acres and was first reported at 5:30 a.m. this morning. Coconino National Forest is responding to this fire separately from the Pipeline Fire at this time. The
Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT) will eventually manage both fires.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has issued GO evacuation orders for the Crater Estates Area. GO means evacuate immediately.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has also issued GO evacuation orders related to the Pipeline Fire for areas of Schultz Pass Road and Arizona Snowbowl and Timberline South of Brandis. GO means evacuate immediately. Areas currently on SET status include Doney Park and Mount Elden Lookout Road/Mount Elden Estates. SET means danger is in the area; make preparations to evacuate immediately.

All residents are asked to be in READY status and should monitor the situation and be
ready to prepare for evacuation.

To follow the current evacuation status for the Pipeline Fire and Haywire Fire, please visit http://ow.ly/2Nll50JvzE5

Shelter Information:

• A Red Cross Shelter is open for residents evacuated due to the Pipeline Fire at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, 86004.
• A shelter for household animals is available at Coconino Humane Association: 3501 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. Please check in with staff upon arrival.
• A Livestock shelter is located at Fort Tuthill County Stables. Those seeking assistance are asked to leave animals in their vehicle or trailer and to check in with staff to complete the animal intake process. Directions to Fort Tuthill County Park are available at: https://www.google.com/maps?q=35.1490865,- 111.6879575&hl=en-US&gl=us&entry=gps&shorturl=1. The livestock stables are self-service. Animal owners are responsible for all services related to their livestock, including feeding and watering, and should bring cages for smaller livestock staying at Fort Tuthill.

US 89 is closed north of Flagstaff due to the Pipeline Fire. The southbound side is closed at milepost 430; the northbound side is closed at milepost 427. There is no estimated time to reopen the road. Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.com.

Information about the status and activity of the Haywire Fire and suppression efforts can be found on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8155/ .

For more information visit www.Coconino.az.gov/PipelineFire or call the Pipeline and Haywire Fire Call Center at 928-679-8525.

CCSO issues Evacuations due to Pipeline Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – Due to the Pipeline Fire the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Issued a “GO” evacuation notification for the neighborhood along Highway 89 North of the Landfill Road to Wupatki Trails on both sides of Highway 89. Doney Park is in the “Set” Status

At 11:00 hours The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a fire off Snowbowl Road. Responding Deputies were given the description of a White Pickup truck leaving the area of the fire. Responding Deputies spotted a vehicle matching the description and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.

The driver, a 57-year-old male, was detained until Federal Law Enforcement Officers from the United States Forest Service arrived. The male was arrested by Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers and booked into the Coconino County Sheriff’s Detention Facility for Federal Natural Resource Violations. Federal regulations prohibit the release of the subject’s name, photo and charges.

At this time, it is unknown how long the “Go” evacuations will remain in place. Coconino County Sheriff’s office remains in constant communication with the United States Forest Service Fire personnel, managing this incident, as soon as it is determined safe reenter the Sheriff’s office will release the evacuation order and allow the residents back to their properties. Currently Highway 89 is closed at Campbell and Highway 89 on the South side and Shultz Pass Road and Highway 89 on the North side. 24 hour security Patrols will be conducted n the evacuated areas until re-entry is complete.

It is important that the residents of the evacuated areas, know that if they leave their property, they will not be allowed back in under the evacuation order unless escorted.

Currently the Red Cross Shelter is located at:

  • Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff
  • Animal Shelter is set up at Fort Tut-Hill
  • Call Center is at (928)679-8525
  • For special circumstances, escorts to and from properties within the evacuated areas will be available from the East Valley Baptist Church at 10655 N. U.S. 89, Tonight until 9:30pm and beginning again on Monday the 13th at 9:00am.

Strong winds push Pipeline Fire more than 15 miles

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FLAGSTAFF – The Pipeline Fire which began 6 miles north of Flagstaff around 10 a.m. is currently estimated at 4,000-5,000 acres and was pushed more than 15 miles by strong winds throughout the day.

A 57-year-old male was arrested by Forest Service law enforcement officers earlier today in connection with the wildfire and charged with natural resource violations. The subject was booked into the Coconino County Sheriff’s Detention Facility.

“The investigation into the cause of the Pipeline Fire is ongoing and, in order to protect the integrity of the investigation, we cannot discuss any details of the investigation,” said Law Enforcement Patrol Captain Andy Pederson.

At this time, no structures or homes have been destroyed.

Jimmy Harris’ California Team 15, a Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT), arrives tomorrow to assume management of the wildfire.

Resources battling the fire today from the air included up to eight air tankers and five helicopters. Currently, 13 engines, nine crews, six prevention patrol units, three dozers, and one water tender are assigned, which comprises approximately 270 personnel.

More air tankers and helicopters are on order for tomorrow’s suppression efforts, and more firefighting resources and personnel will be added to the fight with the arrival of a Type 2 IMT.

Information regarding evacuations and resources for evacuees can be found on the Coconino County Emergency Management website at https://www.coconino.az.gov/207/Emergency-Management.

A map showing the current evacuation area can be found on the Coconino County Emergency Management ArcGIS site at https://coconinocounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=745e7806b0444387bf32792b9c25e169.

Information about the status and activity of the Pipeline Fire and suppression efforts can be found on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8152/.

Three Severely Injured in Weekend All-Terrain Vehicle Roll-Over

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FLAGSTAFF – On May 21st, 2022 at 1:35 pm, a Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a report of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) crash involving 3 people on Forest Service Road 240 east of Munds Park.

Upon arrival, the deputy assisted medical personnel who were already on scene treating the three patients. An adult male sustained severe head trauma, an adult female sustained hip and back injuries, and a 4-year-old boy being treated for an eye and lower body injuries. After initial treatment and assessment of injuries all three subjects were transported by Ambulance to Flagstaff Medical Center. At the time of this release, all patients are in stable condition.

Initial investigation indicated the grandfather was operating an ATV with the grandmother and their 4-year-old grandson on board. Indications are the grandfather lost control of the ATV, rolled, which ejected the occupants causing the injuries. None of the riders were wearing protective gear.

This matter is still under investigation by CCSO, and no further information is available.

Off road vehicle regulations and safety information can be found on the CCSO’s website,
https://www.coconino.az.gov/1991/OHV-Guidelines.

ATV Fatality Near Forest Lakes

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FOREST LAKES – On May 8, 2022, at about 1:00 PM the Coconino County Sheriff’s  Office received a report of a missing 8-year-old child from a campsite near Bear Canyon Lake. Due to the remote location, Sheriff’s Deputies, DPS Troopers, and Forest Service personnel responded to the call. While responding, a second report was made that the juvenile had been located and had been involved in an accident.

The subsequent investigation revealed the Mesa area family had been camping near Bear Canyon Lake when the child went missing. The child had reportedly taken the family’s ATV. The family immediately reported the incident to the camp host and began looking for the missing child. A short time later family members located the ATV and the child down a steep embankment. The child was not breathing and was transported by private vehicle to a location where they met with medical personnel. The child was pronounced deceased on scene.

The investigation is ongoing by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. No further information is available at this time. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the U.S. Forest Service for their assistance.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to wear recommended safety equipment and follow all applicable state and federal laws regarding the safe use of ATVs while recreating. Please visit the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office website for more information.

Neighborhoods Along Hwy 89 “GO” Order Downgraded to “SET”

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that we are lifting the “GO” evacuation order as of 9:00 AM Sunday morning April 24th, 2022, for the residents living in the neighborhoods along Highway 89. The Tunnel Fire Incident Management Team has determined that the status and condition of the fire at this time is no longer an imminent threat to the neighborhoods along Highway 89 and has recommended allowing residents back into their homes.

Residents returning to these neighborhoods will return to a “SET” status. The Incident Management Team and the Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that the conditions and status of the fire could change at any time resulting the return of a “GO” evacuation status. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and will communicate any change in status as soon as possible. This includes the neighborhoods of Timberline, Fernwood, Wupatki Trails, Girls Ranch Road, and Lenox Park. It is important to note that the Coconino National Forest in that area, including the Cinder Lakes OHV Area, will remain closed, due to a temporary closure order from the US Forest Service. The
downgrade from “GO” to “SET” is mainly applicable for the private properties that lie within these areas.

The Sheriff’s Office will begin the re-entry of these residents at 9:00 AM Sunday, April 24, 2022. Evacuated residents are instructed to report in person to the north parking lot of the Silver Saddle Trading Post, located at 9001 N US Highway 89 in Flagstaff, AZ. Residents will be required to show identification or other documents verifying their address before they are allowed entry. Residents are required to check in at this location prior to accessing the neighborhood. Once the check-in process has been completed, residents will be able to access their properties.

Those who do not check in at the re-entry point, you will be turned around at the roadblock at Campbell and Hwy 89 and instructed to return to the Silver Saddle re-ntry point. No one else is allowed to return to the evacuated area but residents during this time, to ensure enough time is allowed to evaluate their properties. Prior to opening Hwy 89 to passing motorists and removing all individual roadway checkpoints, it is vital all residents check in.

The Hwy will remain closed Until 1:00 pm. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will continue to patrol the area heavily and enforce closures. All members of the public are reminded to be cautious of the increase in traffic in firefighting apparatus and closure of the
forest along Hwy 89 in and around the fire area.

As residents return, you should be aware of some expected by-products of wildfire, such as smoldering stumps and sinkholes are normal. Should you observe hazardous tree or structure issues, we ask you to contact the appropriate agency on their non–emergency numbers to address these problems. If you observe any emergency issues such as spot fires or immediate threats to yourself or the community,contact 911.

For information related to re-entry, please visit www.coconino.az.gov/Re-Entry-Information

Those impacted by the Tunnel Fire can receive in-person and online support and services through the Coconino County Assistance Center. In-person services are offered at The Guidance Center from 9am – 7pm daily at 2695 E Industrial Dr., Flagstaff/or access via 2187 N Vickey St., Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (look for the sandwich board signs). Online services can be found at coconino.az.gov/help. Please call the Tunnel Fire Call Center with questions at (928) 679-8525 from 7 am to 7 pm. Find ongoing updates related to the Tunnel Fire at coconino.az.gov/TunnelFire

We thank you for your patience during this difficult time.