Category Archives: Flagstaff

12-Year-Old Rescued After Being Injured in Climbing Accident

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FLAGSTAFF – On September 9, 2018 at approximately 1:20 PM the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit responded with the Flagstaff Fire Department and Guardian Medical Transport to a climbing accident at the climbing area known as The Pit which is accessed from the Canyon Vista Campground. Information gathered was that a 12-year-old male who was climbing with family members had fallen approximately 20 feet and was injured and in need of rescue.

Responders from Guardian Medical Transport, Flagstaff Fire Department, and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue hiked into the climber’s location and initiated treatment and transport out of the canyon in a basket litter to a waiting ambulance at the campground. The climber sustained a head injury and a wrist injury and was transported by ambulance to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment. The climber and his family were from the greater Phoenix area.

Investigation into the accident revealed that the climber was lead climbing a route known as The Microwave and fell while he was attempting to clip his rope to the third bolt fixed on the route. When he fell, the carabiners connected to the second bolt and first bolt broke causing the climber to land at the base of the climb after falling approximately 20 feet. Upon inspection it was determined that the carabiners that broke were not rated for climbing.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit would like to remind climbers to routinely inspect their equipment and ensure that the equipment they are using is rated for the activity that they are engaging in. Failure to use properly rated equipment could lead to a serious accident.

Sheriff’s Office Labor Day Holiday Activity Summary

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COCONINO COUNTY – The extended weekend encompassing August 31 – September 3 resulted in a large number of calls stemming from outdoor activity in Northern Arizona. The following is a summary of activity as best can be determined from dispatch and officer information available at the time of this media release.

During the extended Labor Day 2018 weekend, deputies responded to over 513 calls for service compared to 383 the previous Friday through Monday. These totals are comparable to the numbers of calls responded to over the 4-day weekend encompassing Memorial Day 2018 (455 calls) and the non-holiday weekend before Memorial Day 2018 (350).

In addition, deputies conducted 316 forest and community patrols and 83 traffic stops over the Labor Day weekend compared to 360 forest and community patrols and 47 traffic stops the previous, non-holiday weekend.

Deputies made multiple contacts with off-road vehicle operators and passengers throughout the county to promote off-road vehicle safety. A common safety violation they encountered was helmet violations. Deputies also made multiple contacts with boat operators and passengers on Lake Powell to promote water safety.

Common calls that deputies responded to over the Labor Day weekend included:

  • 46 disturbing the peace complaints (including off-road vehicle, weapons discharge/target shooting, fireworks, loud parties, complaints about neighboring campers, barking dog issues, etc.)
  • 38 emergency medical situations
  • 46 motorist and public assists (several calls related to public assists at the Coconino County Fair including 5 calls for lost children)
  • 45 assists to other agencies and attempt to locates
  • 35 suspicious activity incidents
  • 17 domestic disputes, assaults, threatening/intimidating related incidents
  • 22 (911) hang-up and alarm related calls
  • 12 fire related calls
  • several Search and Rescue calls (see below for synopsis)

Vehicle Collisions: The Sheriff’s Office received reports of 11 off-road vehicle collisions resulting in injuries.

Seven other vehicle collisions occurred on regular roadways. In all but one medical transport was either refused or not needed. Three of the collisions involved animals crossing the road.

Summary of off-road, recreation travel collisions:

  • August 31 around 10 pm – report of four males injured in off-road collision in the area of forest road 82 (near Blue Ridge). Vehicle reportedly struck a tree ejecting three people. Two patients in critical condition were transported by air, and two other patients were transported by ground medics.
  • August 31 around 11:30 pm – report of adult male injured in ATV rollover accident in the forest area outside of Munds Park. Upon arrival, no one was located at the scene, but the vehicle was still present.
  • September 1 around 8 am – report of adult male and teenage male injured in off-road vehicle accident in the Bear Canyon Lake area. Air medical also responded for patient transport.
  • September 1 around 12:45 pm – report of a teenage male involved in quad rollover accident in forest south of Flagstaff. The camping group self-transported him to medical care.
  • September 1 around 2 pm – report of male injured in dirt bike accident in the forested area around Pumpkin Center. The patient was transported by family to medical care.
  • September 1 around 4 pm – report of female injured in a boat accident near Anchovy Point, Lake Powell
  • September 1 around 4 pm – report of male injured in ATV accident in forested area around Willard Spring. One person was transported by ground medics.
  • September 2 around 9:30 am – report of “side-by-side” that flipped. Parties self-transported to medical care.
  • September 2 around 10:45 am – report of female injured in ATV accident in forested area near Kelly Canyon. Patient was transported by ground medics.
  • September 2 around 5 pm – report of 9-year-old boy and two adults injured in off-road vehicle collision in the Cinder Lakes recreation area. The passenger and boy were transported by ground medics.
  • September 2 around 6:30 pm – report single vehicle collision involving two young adults and their baby on forest road in the area of Walnut Canyon. One person was transported by ground medics.

Seven other vehicle collisions occurred on regular roadways. In all but one medical transport was either refused or not needed. Three of the collisions involved animals crossing the road.

Traffic / Moving Vehicle Stops: Deputies throughout the county conducted 83 traffic stops during the extended weekend, resulting in 18 citations and 15 written warnings.

Search and Rescue:

  • August 31 around 3:45 pm – report of a male hiker in West Fork who was in possible need of medical attention. Hiker later reported to no longer need assistance.
  • September 1 around 11 am – female was injured during fall in the area of West Fork. Patient required transport by rescue person via a litter carry to the trailhead / parking area.
  • September 1 around 3 pm – two young adult males were reported overdue to their campsite. They had been driving ATVs when they left their camp earlier in the morning. The were located and escorted back to their camp.
  • September 1 around 6 pm – deputy in Forest Lakes area located three lost hikers in the Bear Canyon area and provided them rides back to their camp
  • September 1 around 9:30 pm – received report of separated parties hiking Humphreys Trail. Parties were able to self-reunite and no longer needed assistance.
  • September 2 around 12:30 pm – a 21-year-old female on a 21-day group hike was reported to be in anaphylaxis. Several agencies were involved in the search to attempt to locate the patient in the area of Chevelon Lake and Horse Trap. The patient was transported by Arizona Department of Public Safety Northern Air Rescue.
  • September 2 around 5:45 pm – report of 7 teenagers overdue to their campsite at Bear Canyon Lake. Game and Fish officers assisted and learned all had returned safely to the camp.
  • September 3 around 9:45 am – report of a female hiker who had been stuck in quick sand in the Paria Canyon near Big Springs since the previous afternoon. Arizona Department of Public Safety Northern Air Rescue and Search and Rescue responded to rescue the person.
  • September 3 around 8:30 pm – assisted Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office in response to multiple vehicles caught in swift moving water and mud in the area of Perkinsville Road and Drake Road (south of Williams, AZ)

Deaths:

  • On September 1, 2018, deputies responded to a male subject who committed suicide at a residence in Greers Trailer Park.
  • On September 1, 2018 deputies responded to a male subject who was found unresponsive in a bathroom at Knoll Lake.

Detention Facility: The Coconino County Detention Facility Flagstaff Facility which receives arrested persons from multiple agencies throughout Northern Arizona (including: Coconino Sheriff’s Office, Flagstaff Police Department, Northern Arizona University Police, Williams Police, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, as well as federal and state agencies) processed 105 bookings from August 31, 2018 through September 3, 2018. The majority of these booking occurred at the Flagstaff facility; 18 bookings occurred in the Page facility.

Of those bookings, 34 had felony related charges. Bookings by type of offense included (but were not limited to), 6 aggravated assault, 8 other assault, 8 DUI’s, 29 wants or warrants (e.g., failure to appear, failure to comply, probation violation, other warrants), 10 disorderly conduct, 9 drug offenses, 8 court remands, 4 trespass offenses, 4 driving offenses, 1 sex offense, 1 endangerment offense, 1 burglary offense.

Thank you to the other agencies who assisted: The Sheriff’s Office thanks all those individuals and other public safety agencies that assisted with responses during this holiday weekend and in helping to keep our community safe.

Grant funds Bike Park construction

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Parks and Recreation was awarded a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant from the Arizona State Parks and Trails for infrastructure improvements and visitor amenities, including a restroom, at Fort Tuthill County Park. The grant award of $150,620 will also fund the construction of trails and additional features at the Fort Tuthill Bike Park.

Construction of the Bike Park’s new trails and features began August 27. The completion of Phase 2 will include adult pump tracks and Phase 3 will include technical flow trails.

Coconino County Parks and Recreation has an agreement with non-profit Flagstaff Biking Organization (FBO) to build the Fort Tuthill Bike Park. FBO is contracting with American Conservation Experience (ACE), who is sub-contracting with FlowRide Concepts, a professional company that specializes in building bike parks across the country. FBO, ACE and FlowRide Concepts successfully built Phase 1 of Fort Tuthill Bike Park, which opened to the public in 2015.

The construction area is next to the existing trails at Fort Tuthill Bike Park and has been sectioned off and is closed to the public. There are no immediate closures to the Bike Park scheduled, however some minimal closures may occur for maintenance of the area. Construction of the Bike Park and restroom are expected to be completed by Fall 2020.

Statement from the Board of Supervisors on the passing of Senator John McCain

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FLAGSTAFF – “The Coconino County Board of Supervisors were deeply saddened to learn that Senator John McCain lost his battle with brain cancer this past weekend. Senator McCain was a tremendous statesman and dedicated public servant for the country and to the people he served. We were always grateful for the honest conversations we had with him in Washington D.C. and here in the County.

We will remember him most for always putting politics aside and coming to the aide of County residents. For example, during disasters such as the Schultz Fire and subsequent flooding, the Slide Fire and other events throughout the County, the Senator was instrumental in securing funding for disaster assistance, changing the law so residents could get flood insurance in the future and in mediating boundary disputes.

As a County, we worked with the Senator and his staff throughout his outstanding legacy on a wide breadth of issues from federal funding to the establishment of national monuments. He was always there when it mattered for the citizens of Coconino County and we will be forever grateful for his partnership.

His influence will continue to have a lasting impact on Coconino County, the State of Arizona and the Nation. We extend our deepest sympathies to Senator McCain’s family and friends.”

ACLU and Illegal Alien Dismiss Class Action Lawsuit Against Coconino County Sheriff

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FLAGSTAFF – – Plaintiff Guillermo Tenorio-Serrano was arrested by the Arizona Department of Public Safety on December 11, 2017, for driving under the extreme influence of intoxicating liquor. At the time of his arrest, Tenorio-Serrano blew .203 and .195 on the DPS Intoxilyzer. Tenorio-Serrano was taken to the Coconino County Detention Facility.

On December 12, 2017, the United States Department of Homeland Security, through ICE, sent a Notice of Action – Immigration Detainer and a Warrant for Tenorio-Serrano to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. The Detainer stated that there was probable cause to believe that Tenorio-Serrano was a removable alien and requested that the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office maintain custody of him for a period not to exceed 48 hours beyond the time he would otherwise be released in order for ICE officers to take custody of him.

Tenorio-Serrano and the ACLU filed a class action lawsuit against Coconino County Sheriff James Driscoll and Jail Commander Matthew Figueroa and alleged that the Sheriff’s policy of holding pretrial detainees after they have satisfied conditions for release on state charges, was unlawful and violated the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 2, Section 8, of the Arizona Constitution. Tenorio-Serrano and the ACLU sought a preliminary injunction ordering his immediate release.

Prior to the lawsuit, Sheriff Driscoll stated that it was his understanding that state law required the jail to cooperate with federal authorities and honor ICE detainer requests. The Sheriff further stated that he intended to cooperate with the lawful requests of federal authorities. He noted that the intent of Arizona state law is that state law enforcement agencies cooperate with federal agencies enforcing the immigration laws of the United States. The Sheriff also made it clear that “if a court having jurisdiction over us changes the law, we’ll change our policy to comply with that immediately.”

After legal briefing and oral argument, United States District Court Judge David G. Campbell ruled against the ACLU and Tenorio-Serrano on July 5, 2018. Judge Campbell determined that Tenorio-Serrano and the ACLU did not have “a fair chance of success on the merits,” and denied the request for a preliminary injunction.

Judge Campbell noted that the Sheriff would face serious hardship if the Court ordered him to refrain from complying with ICE detainers. The Judge further noted that an injunction would interfere with Sheriff Driscoll’s judgment as an elected official, would interfere with the Arizona Legislature’s policy determination that Arizona should cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, and might interfere with Arizona’s interest in preventing unlawful immigration as specifically recognized by the United States Supreme Court.

On July 30, 2018, Tenorio-Serrano, through his ACLU attorneys, moved to dismiss the class action lawsuit against the Coconino County officials. On August 20, 2018, Judge Campbell dismissed Plaintiff’s lawsuit.

As a result of the District Court’s ruling, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will continue to cooperate with federal authorities and honor ICE detainer requests. Sheriff Driscoll recognizes that there are different approaches to immigration policy. His main priority as a sworn law enforcement officer, however, is the safety of his community and the enforcement of the laws that he swore to uphold as the chief law enforcement officer of Coconino County.

Critical Incident Response Training to be held in Downtown Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – On August 14 and 15, 2018 the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a Critical Incident Response Training that involves personnel from several Northern Arizona law enforcement agencies as well as personnel from local area fire departments.

We want our residents, business owners, and visitors to be aware that this training will result in increased police and fire activity in the area. The training will occur between 8 am and 5 pm on August 14-15 at the former San Francisco de Asis School, located at 320 N. Humphreys St. Flagstaff AZ, 86001.

The training will be a reality-based exercise to provide first responders additional tools to use when faced with an integrated response to critical incidents.

The Sheriff’s Office along with the other agencies would like to thank St. Francis De Asis Parish for providing the venue for this training.

I-17 traffic restrictions south of Flagstaff through early November

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Drivers on Interstate 17 in northern Arizona are advised to plan for travel delays because of traffic realignment and ramp closures at Willard Springs Road, 17 miles south of Flagstaff near Munds Park. Crews are replacing the Willard Springs Road bridges on I-17 and will close access under the highway.

Drivers should prepare for delays while the following detours are in place:

  • Northbound I-17 drivers heading to Willard Springs Road will be detoured to Newman Park Road to exit and re-enter southbound I-17.
  • Drivers exiting Willard Springs Road toward northbound I-17 will be detoured southbound I-17 to Pinewood Road in Munds Park to exit and re-enter northbound I-17.

Drivers in both directions of I-17 will be re-routed around the bridge construction at Willard Springs Road onto the on- and off-ramps at reduced speeds.

For more information, email MKirby@azdot.gov or call Mackenzie Kirby, Community Relations project manager, ADOT Northcentral District, at 928.525.6494. Information is also available on the project web page.

Schedules are subject to change because of weather and other unforeseen situations. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic

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FLAGSTAFF- The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is sponsoring a low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 11 at the Coconino Humane Association, 3501 E. Butler Avenue, Flagstaff.

Rabies vaccinations will be $10 for dogs and cats. The Kaibab Veterinary Clinic will provide services as well as other vaccinations. Fees will vary and only cash or check will be accepted.

CCPHSD Animal Management will also be offering a one-year license for dogs for $12 altered and $25 unaltered. CCPHSD Animal Management also offers 2 and 3-year license options. Spay/neuter vouchers ($30 value) will also be available for canine owners current with rabies vaccinations and licensing.

Arizona State law requires all dogs to be properly vaccinated and licensed. The CCPHSD strongly recommends that cats be vaccinated against rabies.

Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord of animals and humans. It is caused by a virus present in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted to humans through contact with the live virus.

For more information, call the CCPHSD Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756 or visit www.coconino.az.gov/health.

Flagstaff Man Arrested After Barricading in Tent with Children

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Kinnikinick Lake, Coconino County, AZ – Twenty-nine-year-old Jarred A. McMinn (also known as Jarred Parker) of Flagstaff was arrested early this morning after a stand-off lasting several hours.

On July 26, 2018 around 7:50 pm deputies from Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at Kinnikinick Lake, which is located approximately 30 miles south of Flagstaff. Upon arrival deputies learned that an adult female had been the victim of a domestic assault. The suspect was identified as Jarred McMinn.

When deputies attempted to contact McMinn at his tent campsite, he refused to cooperate and barricaded himself inside the tent. Deputies determined that McMinn was armed with a handgun and had three young children in the tent with him.

Deputies requested assistance from the Flagstaff Police Department Joint Tactical Team. Arizona Department of Public Safety Troopers and Air Rescue also responded and assisted. After around 6 hours of negotiations, McMinn surrendered and exited the tent. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Jarred A. McMinn has been booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility under charges including Aggravated Domestic Violence, Weapons Misconduct, Criminal Damage, and Endangerment.

Paving continues on Interstate 40 in northern Arizona

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Drivers on Interstate 40 in northern Arizona are advised to plan for travel delays because of traffic realignment and ramp closures at Garland Prairie and Pittman Valley roads. Crews are repairing 17 miles of pavement on I-40 between Parks and Williams. The project also includes making bridge deck repairs at Garland Prairie and Pittman Valley roads.

Beginning in August, as crews complete work to rebuild 5 westbound miles between mileposts 167 and 172, all traffic will be moved to the westbound lanes using a temporary crossover in that section. Crews will begin work on the eastbound section of the freeway and will close the eastbound on- and off-ramps at Garland Prairie and Pittman Valley roads for the next few months. Traffic will be detoured onto the Parks and East Williams traffic interchanges.

On July 30, the following ramp closures are scheduled to be in place:

The westbound on- and off-ramps at A-1 Mountain Road will be closed from 7 a.m. to noon. Traffic will be detoured to Bellemont, exit 185, to re-enter eastbound I-40 towards A-1 Mountain Road.
The eastbound on- and off-ramps at A-1 Mountain Road will be closed from noon to 5 p.m. Traffic will be detoured to Business Loop, exit 191, to re-enter westbound I-40 towards A-1 Mountain Road.

On August 3, the eastbound on-ramp and westbound off-ramp at Parks are scheduled to re-open after being closed for a few weeks while crews rebuilt a 1-mile section of I-40 in both directions near the interchange.

Work on this 5-mile section of I-40 is anticipated to wrap up by the fall.

Meanwhile, crews continue to repave other portions of the highway between mileposts 162 and 179 from Cataract Lake to Parks.

Construction will pause for the winter season and is scheduled to resume in spring 2019 for additional paving, bridge and intersection work. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2019.

What to expect:

  • Crews are scheduled to work Mondays through Fridays from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Lane closures, ramp closures and restrictions will be required

For more information, email MKirby@azdot.gov or call Mackenzie Kirby, MPP, Community Relations project manager, ADOT Northcentral District, at 928.525.6494. Information is also available on the project web page.

Schedules are subject to change because of weather and other unforeseen situations. Subscribe to receive traffic alerts and project updates by email. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.