Category Archives: Flagstaff

Flagstaff Police investigate suspicious death

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FLAGSTAFF –- The Flagstaff Police Department Criminal Investigations Division is investigating an incident involving a suspicious death. On Thursday September 1, 2022, at approximately 11:00 PM, Flagstaff Police officers on patrol located a male lying on the sidewalk in front of a restaurant located in the 3600 block of E Route 66. When they stopped to check on the male, he was found to have significant facial injuries and head trauma. The male was breathing; however, he was not responsive to officers as they attempted to determine how the male sustained his injuries.

Medics were called to the location and provided emergency medical care for the man, subsequently transporting him to the Flagstaff Medical Center for further emergency medical care. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the male succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced deceased. The deceased male has been identified as 35 year old Donovan Young of Chinle, AZ. The manner of death is still pending further investigation.

If anyone in the community has information that may assist with this investigation, please contact the Flagstaff Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (928) 774-1414, or Detective Hansen at (928) 679-4021 mhansen@flagstaffaz.gov. You can also call Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111.

Flagstaff police seek help in hit and run collision

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FLAGSTAFF – On the 23rd of August, 2022, at approximately 8:30 PM, a truck was involved in a hit and run collision with a motorcycle, near the intersection of S Milton Rd and Mikes Pike Street in Flagstaff. The motorcyclist sustained injuries from the collision and was transported to the Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment.

The truck is described as a white in color, 2 door Toyota Tacoma with a camper shell on the back. The vehicle was last scene turning West onto Tucson Avenue and into the Plaza Vieja neighborhood of Flagstaff.

Please contact Detective Joseph Gilbert by phone at (928) 679-4120 or by email at jdgilbert@flagstaffaz.gov with any information related to the truck or this collision.

Arguments Sought “For” and “Against” Coconino County Jail District Tax Extension

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County’s jail system is administered and operated through a Jail District (District) by the Coconino County Sheriff, who is delegated by Arizona Revised Statutes as keeper of the jail. The District is currently funded by a half-cent excise tax, which expires in 2027. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors serves as the Jail District Board of Directors.

On the upcoming General Election ballot, the District Board of Directors will ask Coconino County voters to extend the existing Jail District tax for maintaining and operating Coconino County jails for 25 years until 2052.

Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statues, Title 19, Section 124, Coconino County will prepare an informational pamphlet that will be mailed to all registered voters in the county prior to the General Election on November 8.

Coconino County requests arguments “For” and “Against” the ballot question for inclusion in the pamphlet. Each argument may not exceed 300 words and must include the original signature of the submitting party. If an argument is sponsored by an organization, it must be signed by two of the organization’s executive officers. If the argument is submitted by a political action committee (PAC), it must be signed by the committee’s chairman or treasurer. The person(s) signing the argument must provide their mailing address and phone number. This information will not be printed in the pamphlet.

Arguments may be submitted in writing and delivered by mail or in person to the Clerk of the Board’s Office, or digitally on a compact disc or USB drive. To meet the requirement for an original signature, digital submissions must be accompanied by a paper copy. Arguments may not be submitted via email or file transfer program. There is no fee to submit an argument.

To be considered for inclusion in the informational pamphlet, all arguments must be received by 5 p.m. (MST), Wednesday, August 10, 2022, in the Coconino County Clerk of the Board’s Office at 219 E Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Interested parties with questions may call (928) 679-2145.

Pedestrian killed in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – On August 3rd at about 9:30 PM, a fatal collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian occurred in the 2000 block of east Butler Avenue near the Motel 6. 56 year old Kee Begay of Flagstaff was attempting to cross the street and was struck by a vehicle. Police medical personnel arrived on scene. Responding officers called for Detectives as well as the Accident Reconstruction Team. Kee was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash.

The driver remained on scene until police arrived. He then performed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, and there were no apparent signs of impairment. Speed does not appear to have been a factor in this collision.

Overnight lane restrictions on State Route 89A (Milton Road) in Flagstaff August 7-12

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to plan for overnight lane restrictions on State Route 89A (known locally as Milton Road) in Flagstaff during the final stages of work on a pavement rehabilitation project.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zones with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place daily from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. starting Sunday night, August 7, and ending Friday morning, August 12:

  • Portions of north- and southbound SR 89A will be narrowed intermittently to one lane in each direction between Forest Meadows Street and Phoenix Avenue.
  • A vehicle width limit of 16 feet will be in place.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph.


The restrictions are needed as crews continue working on sidewalks, driveways and curb ramps. Crews have completed the most significant work on the project, which was to remove the existing pavement and replace it with new asphalt. For more information, visit the project web page.

Fatal Collision Between a Motorcycle and a Tractor Trailer

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FLAGSTAFF – On August 4th at about 9:40 AM, a fatal collision occurred between a Motorcycle and a Tractor Trailer. The collision occurred as both vehicles were exiting the Interstate 40 freeway and making a left turn onto westbound Country Club Drive. While making the turn the motorcycle was struck by the back of the turning truck’s trailer. The motorcycle was being operated by 49 year old Sheri Gustafson of Phoenix. Sheri was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver remained on scene until police arrived. Officers and medical personnel arrived on scene. Detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Team were called the scene as well. The truck driver was transported to the Flagstaff Police Department for tests, where he exhibited no signs of impairment. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

Overnight lane restrictions on State Route 89A (Milton Road) in Flagstaff July 31-Aug. 5

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to plan for overnight lane restrictions on State Route 89A (known locally as Milton Road) in Flagstaff during the final stages of work on a pavement rehabilitation project.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zones with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place daily from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. starting Sunday night, July 31, and ending Friday morning, Aug. 5:

  • Portions of north- and southbound SR 89A will be narrowed intermittently to one lane in each direction between Forest Meadows Street and Phoenix Avenue.
  • A vehicle width limit of 16 feet will be in place.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph.


The restrictions are needed as crews continue working on sidewalks, driveways and curb ramps. Crews have completed the most significant work on the project, which was to remove the existing pavement and replace it with new asphalt. For more information, visit the project web page.

Plan for overnight lane restrictions on State Route 89A (Milton Road) in Flagstaff July 10-15

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The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to plan for overnight lane restrictions on State Route 89A (known locally as Milton Road) in Flagstaff during the final stages of work on a pavement rehabilitation project.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zones with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place daily from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. starting Sunday night, July 10, and ending Friday morning, July 15:

  • Portions of north- and southbound SR 89A will be narrowed intermittently to one lane in each direction between Forest Meadows Street and Phoenix Avenue.
  • A vehicle width limit of 16 feet will be in place.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph.

The restrictions are needed as crews continue working on sidewalks, driveways and curb ramps. Crews have completed the most significant work on the project, which was to remove the existing pavement and replace it with new asphalt. For more information, visit the project web page.

In-Custody Inmate Death-Apparent Suicide

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FLAGSTAFF – On Monday July 4th at approximately 7:51 AM, while conducting a security and welfare check, a Sergeant discovered an inmate hanging by a bed sheet which was tied around the neck and tied to the ladder attached to the bunk in the cell. The Sergeant immediately called for additional staff for assistance and began Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and other lifesaving measures. Additionally, they requested a response of Emergency Medical Services. CPR was conducted by staff until personnel from Guardian Medical Transport and the Flagstaff Fire Department arrived and took over lifesaving efforts. Emergency medical personnel performed CPR until 8:26 AM, at which time, the individual was declared deceased.

The individual has been identified as Clayton James Thornburg, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Thornburg was housed in a cell by himself. Mr. Thornburg was not on suicide watch at the time. At this time no foul play is suspected and it appears that Mr. Thornburg died by apparent suicide.

Mr. Thornburg had been arrested on June 25, 2022 by the Williams Police Department and currently being held on a Felony charge of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Dangerous Instrument with a $15,000 bond. He also was being held on three Felony Warrants out of Maricopa County.

The death is currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and pending autopsy and review by the Coconino County Medical Examiner.

READY, SET, GO Status Changes for Elden Lookout Rd, Doney Park South, and Alpine Ranchos East

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FLAGSTAFF — After meeting with the Great Basin Type 1 team managing the Pipeline and Haywire Fires, it has been determined that it is safe to downgrade some areas on evacuation status.

The following changes will be effective immediately:

– The neighborhoods that were put in “SET” along Mt. Elden Lookout Road will be downgraded to “READY” status.

– The south portion of Doney Park (south of Silver Saddle Road to Townsend Winona Road) that are in “SET” will be downgraded to “READY” status. The north portion of Doney Park (north of Silver Saddle Road) will remain in “SET” status.

– The eastern portion of Alpine Ranchos that is currently in “GO” status will be downgraded to “SET” status. That are is open to re-entry immediately. The western portion of Alpine Ranchos/Crater Estates, to include the private properties around Moon Crater will remain in “GO” status. This is due to the Haywire Fires continual active status.

For details on the boundary between the east and west Alpine Ranchos visit the Coconino County Situational Awareness Viewer at http://ow.ly/2Nll50JvzE5. Due to the rural nature of this area, it is difficult to establish and describe a clear boundary.

The area north of Wupatki Trails along Hwy 89 north to Sacred Mountain Trading Post will remain in “GO” status. The Pipeline Fire is still very active in this area and is in close proximity to private land and the Medicine Valley residences.

If you require assistance or have questions, contact the Fire Call Center at 928-679-8525 between the hours of 7:00 AM and
7:00 PM.

We want to remind the citizens in the “SET” areas that they are still required to be ready to evacuate at a moments notice.
The best way to receive updates on evacuation status is to sign up for emergency notifications through Coconino County Emergency Management. To sign up for Emergency Notifications visit www.Coconino.az.gov/ready.

To follow the current evacuation status for the Pipeline and Haywire Fire, please visit http://ow.ly/2Nll50JvzE5.