Tag Archives: Arizona

Attempted Abductions in Bellemont and Ash Fork Areas

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Flagstaff, AZ – On May 2 and 3, 2020, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to two different reports of abduction attempts on young females. One was in the residential area of Bellemont, west of Flagstaff off Interstate 40, and the second was in Kaibab Estates West, west of Williams, Arizona off Interstate 40.

The Bellemont incident occurred on May 2, 2020 around 6:00 pm in the area of Deer Springs and Greenfield. An unknown male subject approached and grabbed the victim, an 11-year-old girl. The suspect let the girl go when she screamed. The victim ran away from the suspect to her home and reported the incident. A Code Red was issued alerting community members. Multiple agencies responded to the area and conducted a search for the suspect but did not locate him. The suspect was described as a dark-complexioned male with long dark hair and a goatee. At the time of the Bellemont incident, he was wearing a black shirt. The suspect left on foot and there was no vehicle description.

The Kaibab Estates West incident occurred on May 3, 2020 around 2:00 pm near Hillside Dr. and Rincon Dr. The driver of a blue van offered a 15-year-old girl a ride. When she declined the ride and exited his vehicle, the suspect grabbed her by the arm and attempted to pull her into the vehicle. The 15-year-old fought back, striking the man in the face and was able to run to a nearby friend’s residence. A Code Red was issued alerting community members. Multiple agencies responded to the area and conducted a search for the suspect and vehicle, but neither were located. The suspect left the area in what the victim described as a blue minivan with a dent possibly in one of the doors. The suspect was described as a white male, 30 to 40 years of age, with short light-colored buzzed hair, slender and 5’10 to 6’ in height.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who has information about either incident, anyone who may have seen person(s) or vehicles matching the descriptions, or anyone who may have seen something suspicious, please call the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at (928) 774-4523, option 1 or Coconino County Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111.

California child abductor arrested in Golden Valley

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GOLDEN VALLEY – On April 22, 2020 the U.S. Marshals Service led Arizona WANTED Violent Offenders Task Force, working in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), arrested a dangerous fugitive and recovered a missing child in Golden Valley, Arizona.

“Armed fugitives that have abducted a child and is defiant to lawful orders places the community and law enforcement in harm’s way and must remain a priority,” said United States Marshal David Gonzales. “The US Marshals led task force members were joined by local and federal agencies who executed a plan that safely took custody of the child before arresting Messner, who will now be sent to California to answer for his crimes.”

On April 5, Dustin Messner, 37, abducted his eight-year-old son from Stockton, Calif. An arrest warrant was issued for Messner, who was being charged with Child Custody Deprivation. California law enforcement immediately began an investigation to determine the whereabouts of both father and son. The ensuing investigation revealed that Messner fled the state of California.

During his two weeks on the run, Messner made numerous comments and posts to his social media accounts expressing his belief that man’s law had no authority over him and that he would not be returning his son. Messner also made several threats to any law enforcement who attempted to take his son from him. These posts included video of firearms assumed to be in Messner’s possession.

On April 20, the District Attorney Investigator’s Office in San Joaquin County, CA, requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service in locating and apprehending Messner. On April 22, members of the U.S. Marshals Service District of Arizona-Flagstaff Division and the ATF conducted an apprehension and recovery operation at a home on Joseph Drive in Golden Valley, AZ. That evening, task force members arrested Messner and safely recovered the missing boy before turning him over to Child Protective Services.

Dustin Messner was transported to the Mohave County Detention Center while he awaits extradition back to San Joaquin County, CA. His son was happily reunited with his mother on April 23.

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.

City of Page urges citizens to adhere to COVID guidelines

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PAGE – The City government continues to monitor the COVID outbreak in Coconino County. Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is still the lead government agency addressing the epidemic in our county, and the City of Page recommends that community members continue to closely adhere to recommended prevention guidelines.

According to the latest statistics, Coconino has had 242 postive cases and 876 test negative. There have been 21 deaths from the Chinese virus COVID-19 in Coconino County. Flagstaff and Page both have 45 cases. The Tribal communities have been hit hard with 150 cases.

Testing will be available in Tusayan on Thursday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1 Chlinic Road, Grand Canyon. In Williams, the next testing session will be held at the clinic on Friday, April 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Only those with symptoms and in high-risk categories should be tested.

Additional resources, including a data search by ZIP code may be found at: www.azdhs.gov and https://tinyurl.com/wc8af3e.

Crews Respond to a 15 Acre Wildfire near Sherwood Forest Estates

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WILLIAMS – Fire crews from the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest, Sherwood Forest Estates, and Parks Bellemont Fire Departments responded to a wildfire late Tuesday afternoon south of Interstate 40 near the neighborhood of Sherwood Forest Estates east of Williams.

The Beacon Fire was discovered about 3:00 pm on Tuesday April 7, and was burning in grass and ponderosa pine. Several Local residents reacted quickly with tools and equipment to help slow the spread of the fire as responding units arrived on the scene. The fire was contained just after 5:00 pm at 15.6 acres in size. The fire burned on both private and National Forest land. The cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation at this time.

Easter may be dead; Jesus is not

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Message in the window of Pince Country makes Christian message clear; He is Risen.

WILLIAMS – While President Donald Trump expressed hope that the country would be open in time for the celebration of Easter—and being attacked by most media for doing so—that is not going to happen. That has not stopped businesses from expressing Christian greetings and the Williams Recreation Center from creating a new “Easter Egg” hunt.

Although many businesses in Williams remain closed due to the Gubernatorial edict, you can still purchase candy and Easter trappings at the grocery outlets in Williams. Restaurants are still decorating windows to express hope and spread an important message in this troubling time.

The doors of Anna’s Cafe are adorned with palm and windows with Easter decorations.

Williams Western Wear window.


The Williams Recreation Center and Williams Unified School District #2 have suggested an egg hunt to run from April 8 up to Easter Sunday. They encourage people to make eggs and place them some where in view of the street. Paper eggs on doors, windows, hanging from trees, and so forth. People can then drive and kids can try to spot them from the backseat of the car. Parents should be cautioned that seat belts and child safety seats are still required.

There are atheists and some Christians expressing joy that Easter seems to be dead. Some Christians are upset with the pagan symbols of the holiday such as the egg and rabbit which are symbols of fertility in pagan religions.

Indeed the universal message of the Holy Bible does seem to be lost even as this is supposed to be the whole message of this time of year. The Christian message this time is supposed to reflect is that the grave is empty. Jesus has risen.

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.

Preparations still being made for Vietnam Memorial Wall

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Ground being prepared for the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall.

WILLIAMS – They are not in the Army now, but Veterans of Williams are preparing the ground for the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. Although the wall may be delayed in coming because of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus, they hope it is not delayed long.

Williams was already disappointed by the understandable cancellation of Run For the Wall which was to occur in May. They were also disappointed by the cancellation of the Wreath Laying ceremony for Vietnam Veterans on Memorial Day for the safety of possible participants.

John Holst, Randy Baer and Russell Achee prepare the grounds for the moving Vietnam Wall.

Randy Baer, in charge of the project, said that the area will be much nicer even after the Wall is gone.

John Holst added that they intend to add low-water, local shrubbery and trees.

We hope that, while the Vietnam Memorial Wall is here, people will show enough respect to not let their dogs defecate in the area.

Randy said they could use help with labor as the project progresses. Help with digging and landscaping would be appreciated. He can be reached at 928-225-9064. Small monetary donations would be helpful to defray the cost of the project.

It is important to note that they will be trying to stay compliant with current restrictions. So you may have to actually call for an appointment to help.

Kaibab National Forest seeks public comment on proposed vegetation management project on the North Kaibab Ranger District

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FREDONIA — The Kaibab National Forest is seeking public comment on a proposed vegetation management project on the North Kaibab Ranger District that would improve forest health and vigor while also enhancing habitat conditions in the area.

The Burnt Corral Vegetation Management Project Environmental Assessment and all other project documents and maps are available for review on the Kaibab National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44236. The project includes treatments designed to improve forest resiliency by creating conditions better able to withstand climate change and other threats such as unnaturally severe wildfire.

The project proposes the use of prescribed fire as well as the management of naturally-caused wildfire on up to 28,090 acres of the North Kaibab Ranger District. This reintroduction of wildland fire across the landscape would be supported by up to 17,765 acres of commercial and non-commercial mechanical vegetation treatments.

These treatments would promote a healthy mosaic of forest conditions and increase long-term sustainability by creating stands that include a diversity of tree ages and sizes. Larger openings between groups of trees and fewer areas of interlocking crowns would not only increase forage and grass production but would also make the entire project area more resistant to unnaturally severe wildfire.

This is the second official comment period for the project, which was originally scoped in March 2015. Due to the amount of time since the original comment period, the North Kaibab Ranger District decided to offer a second opportunity for the public to provide input. There have been few changes to the original proposed action, as most related to minor acreage adjustments based on actual field surveys and stand data.

“Even though there have not been significant changes, we wanted to ensure our communities and partners had ample opportunity to review the project and provide us with comments,” said Randall Walker, district ranger for the North Kaibab Ranger District.

The Kaibab National Forest encourages members of the public to provide feedback on the Burnt Corral Vegetation Management Project Environmental Assessment during the 30-day comment period. Specific, written comments should be postmarked or sent by April 24.

Comments must be in writing and may be delivered electronically, by mail or facsimile. Electronic comments, including attachments, may be emailed to comments-southwestern-kaibab-north-kaibab@usda.gov. Please include “Burnt Corral Vegetation Management Project” in the subject line. Comments may be submitted electronically in Word (.doc or .docx), rich text format (.rtf), text (.txt), Adobe portable document formats (PDF), or HyperText Markup Language (.html). Submit comments via mail to: U.S. Forest Service, North Kaibab Ranger District, Attn: David Vincelette / NEPA Planner, 430 South Main Street, P.O. Box 248, Fredonia, AZ 86022. Comments may be faxed to 928-643-8105.