Tag Archives: crime

Litter Hotline delivers reminder that trashing Arizona costs us all

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PHOENIX — Those who litter along Arizona highways can face fines up to $500. But those fortunate enough to have fellow motorists rather than law enforcement see them may wind up getting a letter warning about the harm litter causes – and a litter bag.

In partnership with Keep Arizona Beautiful, a statewide nonprofit organization that empowers citizens to care for their environment through litter prevention, recycling and beautification, the Arizona Department of Transportation maintains a Litter Hotline allowing the public to report those who trash our highways. Providing a vehicle’s license plate number and other details to 1-877-3LITTER, or through an online form on Keep Arizona Beautiful’s website at kazb.org, results in a cautionary letter being sent.

About 1,500 letters go out each year. Nothing is shared with law enforcement, and those reported have no points added to their driver licenses.

“Besides harming Arizona’s land, water and quality of life, littering along highways is a significant cost to ADOT and, in the end, to all of us,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “While those who litter deserve what they get if caught by law enforcement, a gentle reminder through the Litter Hotline can make someone think twice about tossing something out the window.”

In the Phoenix area alone, highway maintenance crews pick up enough litter each year ‒ about 1.2 million pounds in all ‒ to fill more than 111,000 garbage bags.

In addition to the Litter Hotline, ADOT combats litter through its Adopt a Highway programs. Adopt a Highway volunteers can apply for two-year permits to clean up roadside litter, or businesses can contract with maintenance providers to perform the work as part of the Adopt a Highway sponsor program.

Detectives, technology helping ADOT protect customers’ information

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PHOENIX — When the Phoenix Police Department suspected that a man in custody for drug and weapons violations had assumed someone else’s identity, it sought assistance from the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Office of the Inspector General.

ADOT detectives determined that man’s correct identity, confirmed he’d stolen the identities of two others and found that he was a sex offender who failed to register as required by state law for the past two years. He now faces additional charges of forgery and identity theft as well as having weapons charges upgraded to prohibited-possessor status.

Another recent case involving the Office of the Inspector General started when an application for credentials from ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division raised suspicions. Detectives determined the applicant had fraudulently applied through the use of a stolen identity and also was being investigated by the U.S. State Department for fraudulently obtaining a U.S. passport.

The key in both cases: ADOT investigators, supported by technology such as facial-recognition software, detected identity theft as part of their mission of protected Arizonans’ privacy and information.

“The outstanding investigative skills of the Office of the Inspector General are recognized nationally and internationally,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “The implementation of various technologies like facial recognition and the investigative processes that uncover fraud have furthered the capability of the agency to protect the privacy and personal information of Arizona credential holders.”

These efforts complement those of ADOT Motor Vehicle Division customer service representatives, who are trained to detect forgery and fraud and perform the first checks for discrepancies in application packets. The recent adoption of facial-recognition technology enhances the screening process by allowing checks against customer records in the state’s driver license database, preventing fraudulent attempts to obtain a driver license or identification card.

As Arizona’s main agency issuing a driver license or identification cards, ADOT often is called on to aid local, state and federal law enforcement agencies dealing with cases that may involve forged identification documents and identity theft.

“Detectives with the Office of the Inspector General are highly skilled in conducting cases relating to identification documents, and we’re proud that those skills help agencies beyond ADOT protect Arizonans’ information,” Halikowski said.

ADOT’s Office of the Inspector General conducts investigations into fraudulent activities involving driver license/identification card applications, vehicles sales by licensed/unlicensed dealers, vehicle title/registration and providing investigative support to state, local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Deceased Adult Male Found near Fat Man’s Loop Trail Identified

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FLAGSTAFF — The deceased man who was found near the Fat Man’s Loop Hiking Trail on Thursday, November 5 has been identified as sixty year-old Carl Lee Shetler. Investigators were not able to determine a home city or state for Mr. Shetler and he is listed as homeless/transient. Investigators have not been able to identify or locate any next of kin for the deceased victim.

At this point in the investigation Detectives believe that foul play was involved in the death of Carl Lee Shetler and the case is being pursued as a homicide. No additional details are being released at this time so as to protect the integrity of the investigation.

On Thursday, November 5, 2015 at approximately 9:10 am a woman contacted several Arizona Department of Public Safety officers on North Highway 89 and told them she found the body of a deceased person at a temporary campsite off of Fat Man’s Loop Trail. The officers accompanied the woman back to the campsite and found the body of a deceased adult white male. The AZ DPS officers contacted the Sheriff’s Office and Deputies and Detectives responded to the camp site.

Anyone who has information regarding the murder of Carl Lee Shetler or the identity of possible suspects is urged to call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 774-4523 or Coconino County Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111 or go to info@coconinosilentwitness.org.

Remember you can remain completely anonymous and earn a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the suspect or suspects. You must contact Silent Witness prior to arrest or indictment to be eligible for a reward.

Flagstaff Police seek information on Circle K Robbery

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The Flagstaff Police Department is asking for the public’s help Identifying the subjects in the pictures above

The Flagstaff Police Department is asking for the public’s help Identifying the subjects in the pictures above

FLAGSTAFF — On November 4, 2015 at approximately 10:47 p.m., Officers were called to a suspected beer theft at the Circle K at 2718 N. Steves. When officers arrived they recognized the clerk had been threatened with a knife and ordered to lie on the ground, (note first picture), while the robbers took various items from the store.

A third suspect entered the store and walked by the robbery in progress and walked over to the alcohol area and stole a 12 pack of beer, leaving the store without paying. It appeared from the video surveillance the three were working together. All three subjects fled the area in a northern direction.

The first suspect to enter the store was described as a white or Hispanic male between the ages of 20-30. He was wearing a red/black flannel shirt, grey jeans and white shoes.

The second suspect was described as either white or Hispanic between the ages of 20-30, wearing a grey flannel shirt over a blue hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Both suspects were wearing gloves. The first suspect entered the store and then pulled his beanie (ski mask) down over his face.

The third subject is described as wearing a large winter jacket and wearing a ski mask type beanie cap which was pulled down over his face.

If you have any information regarding the identity of these suspects please contact Detective Rucker at 928 679 4099. If you have any information and do not want to leave your name call SILENT WITNESS at 928 774-6111. You may be eligible for up to 2000.00 dollars if your information results in a felony arrest.

ADOT detectives break up fraudulent document operation

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PHOENIX — As part of its continuing efforts to safeguard your information, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Fraudulent Document Unit has broken up a criminal document operation in Phoenix.

Acting on a tip, ADOT detectives monitored the operation for two months and purchased fraudulent documents undercover. On Oct. 21, detectives located the manufacturing facility and apprehended Carlos Morales Alvarez, 34.

The unit seized manufacturing equipment, card stock used for Arizona credentials and credentials from other states, Maricopa County food handler cards and U.S. immigration documents. The suspect also had stolen identities for sale.

“I am grateful to ADOT detectives for their excellent work,” Governor Doug Ducey said. “The state has a commitment to protect Arizonans from identity theft, and those who partake in this crime and cause harm to our citizens will be prosecuted under the full extent of the law.”

ADOT detectives are still sorting through about 10 years’ worth of documents to determine how many identities were stolen. So far, they have identified and contacted six Arizona residents.

“With protecting our communities one of Governor Ducey’s top priorities, we are proud to be a state agency that safeguards the identities of Arizonans,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Our detectives work relentlessly to keep that information safe.”

The suspect, alleged to be in the U.S. illegally, is currently in custody and is being charged with more than 20 felony counts, including forgery, aggravated identity theft and trafficking in stolen identities.

The Fraudulent Document Unit is a part of the Office of Inspector General under ADOT’s Enforcement and Compliance Division, which is primarily tasked with ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services throughout the state. Certified peace officers are stationed at ports of entry and mobile inspection units along highways to check commercial vehicles.

The Office of Inspector General conducts criminal and administrative investigations involving all facets of ADOT operations, including title, registration and driver license fraud; titling of stolen vehicles; and licensed and unlicensed car dealers.

The Enforcement and Compliance Division assists other law enforcement agencies as needed.

To report suspected fraud related to ADOT Motor Vehicle Division documents, driver licenses, car dealers and criminal activity, visit azdot.gov/reportfraud.

Sheriff’s Deputies Respond to Multiple Parties in Wooded Areas

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Sheriff’s deputies have seen an increase in the occurrence of “secret” underage alcohol parties occurring in unimproved wooded areas throughout Coconino County. These “Woods Parties” as they are often referred to by the participants can be very hazardous and at times life threatening to underage party goers.

Deputies have seen numerous underage subjects who are intoxicated to the level they can no longer make rational decisions and are not able to protect themselves from predatory adults who also frequent these events. Deputies have also seen a significant increase in the number of individuals present who are in possession of firearms.

Sheriff Bill Pribil would like to remind parents that it is imperative to know where your children are, what they are doing and who they are with. It is advisable for parents to talk to their children about underage parties and all the dangers associated with them. Crimes associated with underage parties include illegal consumption of alcohol, illegal possession and use of controlled substances and drugs, serious assaults, sexual assaults, DUI, serious motor vehicle collisions, and weapons misconduct.

On October 4, 2015 Sheriff’s dispatchers received an anonymous Crime Stop Call reporting a large underage “Woods Party” in the area of School House Draw with a large number of attendees. The caller also advised of multiple physical fights involving intoxicated party goers.

A Sheriff’s sergeant who was supervising the deputies assigned to the Flagstaff Patrol Division coordinated a response consisting of himself and two deputies. As the responding deputies approached the intersection of Forest Service roads 762 and 867 they observed a large bonfire with numerous vehicles parked around it. As the deputies approached a large gathering of people they saw numerous subjects run or stagger into a tree line located south east of the group’s location.

The sergeant went from vehicle to vehicle checking each one for occupants. He observed a maroon Chevrolet Suburban with the front passenger door wide open. He observed a male in the driver’s seat who was passed out and slumping over with his head resting on the steering wheel. The sergeant attempted to wake the subject and advised him to get out of the vehicle to which he responded by threatening to kill him and telling the sergeant he was going to die. The sergeant removed the subject from his vehicle.

While this occurred, another member of a group of approximately 25-30 people who had gathered to the watch the interaction, began to agitate the crowd with negative comments regarding this presence of the Sheriff’s Office. The sergeant was able to remove the subject from the vehicle, the subject resisted and a physical fight resulted. He forced the intoxicated subject to the ground and the struggle continued. At one point the sergeant observed a semi-automatic pistol stuffed in the subject’s waist band. He disarmed the subject and was eventually able to restrain him.

The sergeant yelled at the crowd for anyone else who was armed with a gun to separate themselves from the large group and walk to the north of where they were. Five other armed subjects complied by leaving the group and complied with being disarmed by other deputies on scene. In total six firearms were collected from various individuals in attendance at the party.

The subject who resisted the sergeant was arrested for Threatening and Intimidating, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and later the charge of Resisting Arrest was added by the County Attorney’s Office.

The other subject in the crowd that was agitating the large group was arrested and charged with Minor Consumption of Alcohol and an arrest warrant that was not related to the incident. Deputies also identified several minors, persons under the age of 18, and provided courtesy rides for them back to their parents/guardians residence to turn them back to their custody.

Two arrested in Flagstaff for crime spree

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Flag151020-1FLAGSTAFF — On October 17, 2015 at approximately 1300 hrs., Jonathan J. Curley (44yrs) and Tico C. Teller (23yres) were arrested in connection with a crime spree which included theft of a credit card, auto burglaries, and theft of a vehicle.

Officers had been called to a series of auto burglaries in the 2000 block of N. Center, the 1800 block of N. West, and the 2100 block of N. East. One victim reported a weapon being taken from their vehicle. During this investigation another victim contacted the police department describing his stolen credit card being used fraudulently at 2650 E. Rt. 66.

When officers arrived at the hotel located at 2650 E. Rt. 66, they were advised by the motel staff the room had been rented using the victim’s credit card. Officers contacted the subjects in the room, identifying them as Jonathan J. Curley and Tico Cody Teller. Curley was in possession of a hand gun which was identified as property taken from one of the vehicle burglaries as well as other evidence implicating him in the series of thefts. Tico Cody Teller was arrested on a felony probation warrant.

Curley was arrested and transported to the Coconino County jail and charged with burglary, theft of a credit card, fraudulent use of a credit card and a prohibited possessor. Teller was charged with a probation violation. This investigation is continuing and further charges may be forthcoming.

If you have any information regarding these crimes please contact Detective Slayton at 928 679-4104. If you have any information on any felony crime and do not want to leave your name, please contact SILENT WITNESS at 928 774-6111.

Flagstaff Police seek assistance in neighborhood vandalism

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FLAGSTAFF — On October 7, 2015 at approximately 2200 hours (10pm) until 0200 hrs. on October 8, 2015 the Flagstaff Police Department received in excess of 15 calls for service regarding criminal damage to mailboxes and vehicles.

Officers were called to the Smokerise neighborhood, Foxglen neighborhood and the Amberwood neighborhood for complaints of battered mailboxes as well as shattered vehicle windows.

The Flagstaff Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects involved or anyone who might have information regarding these crimes. If you have any information regarding these crimes please call the Flagstaff Police Department at 928 774-1414. Please call SILENT WITNESS at 928 774-6111 if you have any information and do not want to leave your name. You may be eligible for a cash reward regarding these incidents.

Flagstaff Police Department investigating burglary at Cal Ranch store

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Suspects in Cal Ranch theft. Flagstaff Police photo.

Suspects in Cal Ranch theft. Flagstaff Police photo.

Flagstaff — On Saturday, September 5, 2015 at approximately 07:49 a.m., the Flagstaff Police Department responded to a burglary which occurred at the Cal Ranch Store at 2530 N. Fourth Street.

The above images are subjects wanted in questioning in this crime. Several weapons were taken during the break in. This investigation is ongoing and further information will be forthcoming.

If you have any information regarding the identity of the above subject please contact Detective Rucker at 928 679 4099.

If you have any information regarding this felony crime and do not want to leave your name, please call SILENT WITNESS at 928 774-6111.
FPD 15-13058

Deputies and Detectives Investigate Suspicious Death

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FLAGSTAFF — On Sunday, July 19, 2015 at about 10:08 am the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) advising that Flagstaff Police Department Officers (FPD) and DPS Officers were in pursuit of an adult female who was driving erratically initially on Highway 89 then North on Highway 180/Fort Valley Road with the pursuit entering several neighborhoods.

According to DPS they received a call from an individual who had been called by the driver of the pursued vehicle. According to the caller, the driver’s sister was deceased and her whereabouts were unknown.

Eventually the female driver stopped the vehicle in the Cheshire Neighborhood and was taken into custody by Flagstaff Police Officers.

Deputies responded to the driver’s residence located in Alpine Ranchos and found a 63 year-old female deceased outside the residence. At this point in the investigation, Detectives believe the victim died as a result of self-inflected injuries.

This investigation is be continued by the Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.