Tag Archives: crime

Names of victims of double homicide released

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WILLIAMS – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office released what most people in Williams, sadly, already knew. The victims have been identified as the home owners, 67-year-old Michael Dimuria and his 64-year-old wife Nora Dimuria.

The investigation of a double homicide in Red Lake north of Williams is continuing. Sheriff’s detectives as well as a team from the Arizona Department of Public Safety comprised of investigators and crime scene technicians are on their second day of processing the scene. No other details are being release at this time.

The couples white 2006 Jeep Liberty 4 door bearing Arizona license plate of 123-VDL is missing from the home. The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for this vehicle and to contact law enforcement immediately if they see the vehicle.

Sheriff’s Office Investigates Double Homicide

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WILLIAMS – Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a double homicide in the Red Lake Community located 8 miles north of Williams AZ.

On Tuesday, May 2nd, at approximately 9:00 am the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a neighbor of the victims reporting he had found his neighbor dead. Sheriff’s Deputies from the Williams District responded to the location and upon further investigation in the residence found two deceased adults, one male and one female who had resided at the home. The Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Unit out of Flagstaff was contacted and responded to the location.

We are asking for the public’s help in attempting to locate the couple’s vehicle missing from the home. We are looking for a 2 door, 2006 Jeep Liberty white in color, bearing AZ plate 123-VDL.

Vandalism damages recreational facilities on Williams Ranger District

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WILLIAMS – A recent trend of vandalism occurring at numerous Kaibab National Forest recreation sites on the Williams Ranger District has prompted a public service announcement in an attempt to curtail these unlawful activities.

Unsightly graffiti paint, physical structure damage, and theft are among the latest offenses identified at several recreational locations that are about to open for the summer season.

“This kind of unruly activity makes it difficult to prepare our facilities for opening by the scheduled dates.” said Recreation Specialist Dutch Maatman. “Not only does it take extra time to make these repairs, but it can be very costly detracting from our limited budget allocations. It negatively impacts both our visitors and our program.”

Forest officials are encouraging all members of the public to speak up if you witness any activity that disturbs, defaces or damages any property being managed by your national forest. If you see something, say something.

As with any crime you may be witness to, contacting your local law enforcement authority is always the safest action to take. You can also call the local district offices directly to report a crime or any other suspicious activity that may be occurring. Contact your local office at these locations:

• Williams Ranger District, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (928) 635-5600
• Tusayan Ranger District, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 638-2443
• North Kaibab Ranger District, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 643-7395

The mission of the United States Forest Service is “To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.” Its motto is “Caring for the land and serving people.”

Kaibab National Forest Officials would like to invite everyone to take a vested interest in helping with the success of the mission by participating in the protection and conservation of your national forest resources.

For more information about the Kaibab National Forest, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

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.

Flagstaff man indicted for sexual assault

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Sheriff’s Office served 62-year-old Fernandez Tapia with a Grand Jury Indictment on charges related to sexual assault of a vulnerable adult female.

On February 10, 2017 Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a man who had been seen inappropriately touching a vulnerable female adult. Several witnesses observed the incident identifying Tapia.

The case was forwarded to Grand Jury which on March 16, 2017 issued an indictment for 13-3623(B)1 Child or Vulnerable adult abuse, a class 4 felony, 13-1404 Sexual abuse

According to the Grand Jury indictment, Tapia must report to the Coconino County Detention Facility for fingerprinting prior to his court date. The case is scheduled to be heard in Coconino County Superior Court, Div. 2, on March 27th, 2017.

26 Year Old Williams Man Arrested for Burglaries in Junipine Estates

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WILLIAMS – Randy Matthew Kyle Herrera was arrested today in connection with at least two burglaries that occurred recently in the Junipine Estates area north of Williams, AZ. Herrera was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility under charges of two counts of Burglary, two counts of Theft, and two counts of Trespass. He is being held on a $100,000 bond. The investigation is ongoing as detectives attempt to identify property connected to other burglaries in the area.

On March 14, 2017 a search warrant was served to search the residence of Randy Herrera. Herrera had been identified as a suspect in a recent burglaries based on ATV tracks left at the scene of one of the recent burglaries as well as property seen at his residence. During the search, items were found that were linked to at least two of the residential burglaries that have happened in the Red Lake area. Herrera made statements linking him to at least two of the burglaries.

Since early 2015, there have been over 30 residential burglaries in north of Williams, AZ. A large number of the burglaries occurred at vacant or vacation homes, but sheds and other structures also were burglarized. Items taken during the burglaries included electronics, jewelry, power tools, firearms, and mail. There also had been several reports of thefts, criminal damage, trespass, and suspicious activity in the area. The Sheriff’s Office held two recent community meetings in the greater Red Lake area to inform residents of the situation and to educate them on how to reduce the chance they may be victimized.

As a reminder to residents, there are steps you can take to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of burglary or theft. Keep doors, windows, sheds, and vehicles locked at all times. Do not leave any valuables inside vehicles, trailers or truck beds. Work with your neighbors to keep an eye open for suspicious activity. Take photos and/or videos of valuable property, record serial numbers, engrave items that do not have serial numbers for later identification / recovery. If you are the victim, report the crime immediately. Do not touch anything. Be mindful of possible shoe or tire tracks that may provide evidence. Report suspicious activity immediately to your local law enforcement agency: Sheriff’s Office – 911 for emergencies and 1-800-338-7888, option 1 for Dispatch to for non-emergencies, or Silent Witness: 928-774-6111.

Armed Robbery at Gray Mountain Thriftway

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Gray Mountain, AZ – On January 16, 2017 at approximately 8:34 pm, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an armed robbery that had taken place at the Gray Mountain Thriftway. Gray Mountain is located on U.S. Route 89 39 miles north-east of Flagstaff.

The suspect entered the store and approached one of the employees demanding money while brandishing a firearm. The employee complied and handed over money. A second employee in the back office witnessed the robber but did not intervene. The suspect was last seen leaving the store on foot. An Attempt to Locate was given to local law enforcement for the suspect.

The suspect is described as a Native American male, approximately 20 years old, 6 feet tall and thin build. The suspect was wearing a black hoodie pulled tight around his face, dark pants, and black and white shoes.

If anyone has information regarding this crime, please contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-338-7888 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.

Doney Park Man Arrested for Sexual Conduct with Minor and Related Charges

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FLAGSTAFF – On Thursday, December 30, 2016 a Coconino Superior Court Grand Jury indictment was served on 60 year-old Herman Griego (resident of the Doney Park area northeast of Flagstaff, AZ) for sexual conduct with a minor, sexual abuse of a child, and sexual assault. The charges arose from a Sheriff’s Office investigation response to a report made at the beginning of December. During the investigation, several victims were identified. A felony warrant was issued and Mr. Griego was arrested on the warrant on December 23, 2016.

The incidents leading to the investigation and arrest occurred from 2009 through recent months. Victims were under aged females whom Mr. Griego knew through friendships with other members of the victims’ families.

As the investigation continues, additional charges may be brought forth. Griego currently is being held at the Coconino County Detention Facility on $1,000,000 bond.

Bellemont Burglary and Assault Investigation

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BELLEMONT – On December 30, 2016 around 12:00 am, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an assault and burglary in the Bellemont community west of Flagstaff, AZ. A female manager of the Bellemont McDonalds had just returned to her residence and entered her garage when two men broke in through the side door to her garage and assaulted her attempting to steal a box containing several thousand dollars. The suspects had sprayed the victim with pepper spray and tried to choke her.

When another person at the residence heard the noise and came to the garage door, the suspects fled on foot. The suspects are described as two men who were dressed in dark clothing with white bandanas. Their faces were covered, but one was described as tall and thin and the other as shorter and of a stocky build.

Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Troopers from Arizona Department of Public Safety in attempt to locate the suspects. It is believed that the suspects had knowledge of the money being carried in the box, targeting the victim specifically. The case is still under active investigation.

If you have any information regarding this incident or the suspects, you are asked to call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-338-7888 or Silent Witness at 928- 774-6111.