Category Archives: Coconino County Sheriff

Coconino County’s Detention Services Commander Matthew Figueroa receives Appointment to AZPOST

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FLAGSTAFF — Congratulations to Commander Matthew Figueroa who has been appointed by Governor Ducey to the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST).

AZPOST is composed of 13 members and stands to foster public trust and confidence by establishing and maintaining standards of integrity, competence, and professionalism for Arizona peace officers and correctional officers.

AZPOST was established in 1968 to address the need for minimum peace officer selection, recruitment, retention and training standards, and to provide curriculum and standards for all certified law enforcement training facilities.

Commander Matthew Figueroa has served as Detention Services Commander of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office since 2014. In his current role as Detention Commander, he provides administrative leadership, supervision, training and direction, and assignment of duties to over 150 detention personnel and supervisors in the daily operations of a 596-bed facility.

Commander Figueroa also served as associate faculty with Coconino County Community College instructing students in the areas of Administrative Justice. He has served in detention since 1996 as a detention officer, and recently received the JAILCON 20/20 Detention Administrator of the Year award.

Sheriff Jim Driscoll is proud to have representation from his Command Staff on the AZPOST Board and grateful to Governor Ducey for recognizing Commander Matthew Figueroa for this prestigious
appointment.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office investigating possible kidnapping

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Blue Ridge — On 12/15/2020 the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office was attempting to locate a male suspect and female victim who was reportedly forced into a vehicle south of Flagstaff, Arizona, along Interstate 17 in the late morning hours.

At 1157 hours the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Mustang Gas Station at Clint’s Wells along Hwy 87, reporting the vehicle involved from the incident on I-17 in the area. The caller reported a female passenger strapped/tied to the front passenger seat in a white in colored 4dr Jeep Wrangler with a black top. The reporting party then followed the suspect vehicle south along Highway 87 from Clint’s Wells until the suspect turned off on to Forest Service Road 141 east.

The Reporting party obtained and reporting the vehicle information to the 911 dispatch center. The vehicle returned to a subject out of Scottsdale, Arizona. During the investigation it was learned a Brandon Thomas Stewart of Scottsdale, was in possession of the vehicle in question.

Pings on the phone lead the Sheriff’s Office, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Public Safety Helicopter to begin Searching the area east of Highway 87 and north of Forest Service road 300.

Later in the evening the suspect vehicle was located, and a high-risk traffic stop was conducted by DPS and Navajo County Sheriff’s Office at mile post 283 on Interstate 40.

The driver Brandon Stewart was taken into custody without incident and the female victim was located uninjured. Brandon Stewart was transported to the Navajo County Detention facility and booked on charges of Unlawful Imprisonment. Further charges are pending.

This incident is still under investigation and no further information is currently available. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Public Safety for their assistance in this incident.

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.

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.

Drowning victim recovered at Blue Ridge Reservoir

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BLUE RIDGE – On June 21, 2020, At 6:07pm the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Blue Ridge Fire District responded to the Blue Ridge Reservoir, also known as C.C. Cragin Reservoir, for a report of swimmer who had gone under water near the boat ramp and never resurfaced.

A search of the immediate area was conducted using the boats of bystanders, but the subject was not located. Search operations were suspended as it began to get dark and a plan was developed for an underwater search on the morning of June 22.

On June 22 the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received assistance from the Gila County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and Tonto Rim Search and Rescue to conduct an underwater search. As part of the search a Search and Rescue dog trained in human remains detection in water was used to confirm the area to search. Divers searched an area indicated by the search dog and located the missing subject at approximately 11:30am.

The subject, 32-year-old Austin Smith of Payson, was recovered from the lake and transferred to the custody of the Coconino County Office of the Medical Examiner. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the assistance of the Blue Ridge Fire District, Gila County Sheriff’s Office, Tonto Rim Search and Rescue, and the US Forest Service in resolving this incident.

Rescue Unit Rescues 4 stranded hikers in Munds Canyon

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CCSO Photo

FLAGSTAFF – On June 19th at 7:20 p.m. the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of stranded hikers in Munds Canyon south of Flagstaff. The group was comprised of one an adult male and three juveniles after they split from a larger group of ten hikers. The group had intended to hike Munds Canyon from I-17 to Oak Creek. After realizing they had underestimated the distance to Oak Creek Canyon, they attempted to return to their vehicle near I-17. The group became exhausted and unable to return to their vehicle as it became dark.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit personnel responded to locate and assist the hikers. A search and rescue team was able to make voice contact with the hikers at approximately 6:00 a.m. and then were able to make access to the hikers using a rope rescue system at approximately 7:45
am. The hikers were assessed and provided with additional supplies and then assisted in ascending out of the canyon via a rope system. Once at the top of the canyon the hikers were provided with a ride to Schnebly Hill Road where they were reunited with family members. None of the hikers required any
medical attention.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit would like to remind outdoor users to be prepared for their activities by researching the details of their trip including trail conditions and hazards as well as carrying the appropriate safety equipment which includes:

  1. Extra Water
  2. Extra Food
  3. Extra Clothing for the Conditions
  4. Navigation Equipment (map, compass, GPS)
  5. Headlamp/Flashlight
  6. First Aid Kit
  7. Shelter Material (space blanket or large leaf bag)
  8. Pocket Knife/Multitool
  9. Signaling Equipment (whistle and signal mirror)
  10. Fully Charged Cell Phone and Extra Battery

In addition, outdoor users should leave a detailed trip itinerary with a trusted person so that if the group does not arrive or make contact as expected authorities know where to begin a search.

Census Workers Confronted in Kaibab Estates West

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KAIBAB ESTATES WEST – On June 14, 2020 at 12:35 pm Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report from census workers of gun shots being fired in the Kaibab Estates West area. The census workers advised Dispatch that when exiting their vehicle to check an address, they heard what they believed to be a loud gun shot. They then got back into their vehicle to leave the area but the road was blocked by another vehicle. They were contacted by a male subject who approached their vehicle while carrying a shotgun. The census workers identified themselves and left the area.

After conducting an investigation, deputies arrested 55-year-old Kaibab Estates West resident, Kory Beihn. Beihn was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility for charges involving
Threatening and Intimidating.

This investigation is ongoing.

Jacob Lake evacuations continue as Magnum Fire expands

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JACOB LAKE — Evacuations in the Jacob Lake area continued throughout the weekend and are continuing today in areas threatened by the 24,700+ acre Mangum Fire Burning on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office along with United States Forest Service personnel throughout the weekend and into the week, continue to patrol and search in and around the Mangum fire vicinity affecting Jacob Lake and surrounding areas. Approximately 230 people were evacuated in initial efforts with another 50 visitors evacuated/escorted out of the area over the weekend.

Sheriff Deputies, along with Forest Service Officers, made personal notifications to residents in the areas of White Sage and Lonesome during the weekend placing them in the “SET” stage for evacuation. Approximately 30 to 35 homes were contacted during this notification,

Due to proximity of the Mangum Fire, Highway 67 was closed over the weekend and remains closed at this time to all traffic. Visitors are being escorted out at intervals throughout the day up to 4:00 p.m. Forest Service and Park Officials are asking anyone wanting to leave the area to drive to Forest Service road 429 and Highway 67 where the Highway is closed, where escorts out of the fire hazard area will be facilitated by Forest Service Officers. These times are subject to change as Fire conditions change.According to the Kaibab Forest Service, risk remains for the Jacob Lake community but has diminished. Previous fuel treatments conducted by the local Ranger District Office have aided in moderating fire behavior allowing firefighters time to continue improving defensible space around the community. A night shift continued their work.

The fire spotted across containment lines along Forest Road 22 yesterday near Mangum Springs and raced north into grass, brush, and pinon/juniper towards Middle Mountain. Air tankers, including the Very Large Air Tanker, quickly responded with retardant to limit its growth.

Today crews will continue to construct fireline to minimize the fire’s northward movement northeast of highway 89A. Crews will work to attempt to secure fire’s spread near Little Mountain. Forecast weather includes less wind, but dry conditions, high temperatures, and low humidity.

Currently Hwy 89A is closed at M.P. 545 east of Jacob Lake and at mile post 608.8 west of Jacob Lake. Hwy 67 is closed to all traffic. These roadways will remain closed while the Mangum Fire continues to pose a threat to public safety.

As fire efforts continue more information will be made available. For any questions regarding the Mangum fire please contact the USFS at 602-345-0469. For information regarding the evacuation efforts please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 928-226-5089. For Road closures please contact Az Department of Transportation by dialing in state, 511, and out of state 888-411-7623, www.az511.gov

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office urges all residents to sign up for Emergency Notifications to receive any emergency notifications about the fire and possible evacuation notices. Please visit https://www.coconino.az.gov/207/Emergency-Management for information on how to register to get
emergency alerts.

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.

Missing Phoenix woman located deceased

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FOREST LAKES, AZ – On April 25th at approximately 8:00am the Coconino County Sher Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle located by an officer from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The vehicle was located off a forest road near Chevelon Butte and was associated with a missing person reported by the Phoenix Police Department.

A Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, a US Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer, US Forest Service firefighters, an Arizona Game and Fish Officer, and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit including search and rescue dogs, a small unmanned aerial system, and ground searchers conducted a search in the area to attempt to locate the missing person associated with the vehicle.

Searchers found several clues in the area including foot tracks and discarded clothing which focused the search effort. At approximately 5:30 p.m., an adult female was found deceased in the area by a search and rescue dog team. The investigation into the death is ongoing by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino County Office of the Medical Examiner.

The female identified as Britnney Fairbanks, a 28-year-old, was reported missing out of Phoenix 3-days prior to her vehicle being located by Game and Fish Officers.