Tag Archives: Coconino County Sheriff

Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputy Under Investigation for Use of Force Incident

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FLAGSTAFF – On March 13, 2024 Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to the area of Silver Saddle Road in Doney Park for a report of trespass. Upon investigating the call, Deputies found probable cause to arrest three suspects for trespassing and other misdemeanor charges.

While one of the suspects was in handcuffs being escorted to a patrol vehicle a struggle ensued, and the suspect was able to briefly pull away from the arresting Deputy. The Deputy struck the handcuffed suspect two times in the face with their fist and control was re-established. The Sergeant on scene immediately intervened and the suspect was transported to the CCSO Detention Facility without further incident. The suspect in this case sustained minor injury during the altercation.

Due to the Deputy’s use of force on a handcuffed suspect, CCSO has requested the Flagstaff Police Department to conduct a criminal investigation into the actions of the Deputy. CCSO will simultaneously conduct an Administrative Investigation into the Deputy’s actions to determine if they were justified under CCSO Policies and Procedures. As per standard procedures, the Deputy has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

CCSO holds the highest value on public trust and transparency. Every instance of force used by Deputies and Detention Officers is investigated thoroughly to ensure it coincides with state and federal law as well as the policies set forth by this department. When the investigation finds the Deputy or Detention Officer has violated either state or federal law or CCSO policies, they are held accountable in the justice system and according to CCSO Policies and Procedures.

This case remains under investigation.

Subject Arrested for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

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DONEY PARK — On January 25, 2024, at approximately 7:20 am the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant in Pioneer Valley, a subdivision of Doney Park, for possession of underage pornography.

As a result of the investigation, Matthew Dillon, a 33-year-old male, was arrested for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility. He is being held on a $200,000 bond.

Additional charges are expected, pending further investigation. No further information is available at this time.

CCSO responds to Fatal Shooting in Doney Park

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Doney Park — On January 18, 2024, at approximately 11:36 PM, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a shooting in Doney Park near Flagstaff.

Upon arrival Deputies encountered multiple subjects, two of whom sustained gunshots wounds. Deputies rendered emergency aid to one patient until medics were cleared to enter the scene. The patient was transported to the Flagstaff Medical Center for further treatment and later released. The second patient was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Initial investigation indicates there was a small get together on Thursday night January 18th at a residence on N. Bryant in Doney Park. During the party, an argument ensued between two of the people in attendance.

One of the people was asked to leave the property. This person complied with the request and left the property. This person went back to his residence, which was next door, and later returned to the residence where the party was with a handgun. He entered the front door and shot one person with the handgun inside the house. Two other people retreated to a bedroom to try and escape the shooter.

The shooter followed both subjects into the bedroom, where a struggle for the firearm ensued. During the struggle, one of the subjects was able to take possession of the gun from the shooter. The initial shooter was fatally shot during the struggle and was later pronounced deceased on scene. The deceased person was later identified as David Navela.

The initial person who was shot was transported by Guardian Medical Transport to the Flagstaff Medical Center. He was treated and released later that evening.

It is the Sheriff’s Office practice to not release names of victims in cases. The Investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. If anyone has any information reference this incident, you are asked to contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 774 – 4523.

Deputies Fired Upon After While Investigating Domestic Violence with Weapon

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VALLE — On September 14, 2023 at approximately 6:51 am, Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies from the William Substation responded to Valle, for the report of a domestic violence incident involving a weapon.

Deputies responding to the scene found the victim had been assaulted throughout the evening. After Deputies and a Trooper from the Department of Public Safety arrived on scene, they were advised the suspect had fled and was possibly armed.

While searching and securing an associated residence, Deputies were fired upon from a ridge line by an unknown subject with a gun. At this point Deputies pulled back and a perimeter was set up. The Northern Arizona Tactical Team was deployed to the area along with an Arizona Department of Public Safety Helicopter.

Units on scene continue to search the area for the suspect of the initial domestic violence incident. He was identified as Aaron Rose, a 51 year old white male from Valle. He was last seen wearing a plaid shirt and blue jeans. Aaron is approximately 5’10” and 170 lbs. He has blonde hair and blue eyes.

Deputies, Officers, Troopers, and Detectives from several Northern Arizona Law Enforcement agencies continued to search for Aaron Rose throughout the day on Thursday. Later that evening, at approximately 10:00 PM, CCSO received a call from a resident in the Valle area advising they had Aaron Rose held at gunpoint at their property. Deputies immediately responded and were able to take Mr. Rose into custody without incident.

Mr. Rose was transported to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office where he was interviewed by Detectives. Mr. Rose was later booked into the Coconino County Sheriff’s Detention Facility in Flagstaff for Aggravated Assault (with a deadly weapon/dangerous instrument) and Burglary.

CCSO Deputies Investigate Unfounded Bomb Threat to Cromer School

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Flagstaff – On August 17, 2023 at approximately 9:00 PM CCSO received a tip that a subject had threatened to “set a bomb off at their daughter’s school.” After further investigation, it was determined this was Cromer School in the Doney Park area north of Flagstaff.

CCSO, in conjunction with the Flagstaff Unified School District, worked through the night and were ultimately able to determine this threat to be unfounded. Deputies and school officials immediately responded to and cleared the school of any suspicious objects or devices. Deputies were able to contact the subjects named in the threat and determine that the threat was baseless.

After assessing the information garnered from the investigation, FUSD determined it was safe to continue with a normal school day. Deputies will remain in the area of Cromer School, but at this point in time there is no information indicating there is any danger stemming from this threat.

CCSO Detectives continue to investigate the tip and its origins. We are unable to release any additional information at this time. If anyone has information regarding this case or any other investigation, they are urged to contact CCSO at 928-774-4523 or Coconino County Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.

2020 Homicide Victim Identified

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FLAGSTAFF – In October of 2020 a deceased individual was discovered in a shallow grave north of Flagstaff, off Highway 180 near the Lava Caves. The body was unidentifiable due to advanced stages of decomposition. The ensuing by Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigators and the Coconino County
Medical Examiner’s Office determined the person was a victim of homicide.

During the on-going investigation, a DNA sample was sent to a private forensic genealogy lab in May of 2021. In January 2023 analysis of the DNA sample connected the victim to a specific family tree, one member of which could not be located or accounted for. This family member was identified as David Clark Wilkinson and was known to frequent the Phoenix and Prescott areas in 2019 and 2020.

David was known to have been in northern Arizona prior to the body being located, and a missing persons flyer was issued in an attempt to find him. Shortly after releasing the missing persons flyer, additional DNA analysis was conducted and confirmed David Clark Wilkinson was the homicide victim in this case.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in this investigation.

In 2020, Wilkinson was a 56-year-old white male, approximately 5’11” and weighing 165lbs. He had graying hair, a graying beard and wore glasses. During the summer of 2020 Wilkinson may have been traveling with one or two dogs and was likely operating a white 1997 Toyota Paseo similar to the one pictured below.

It is believed he was camping in the Prescott National Forest and the Coconino National Forest and may have approached other campers in those areas.

Anyone who has information about this investigation or had contact with David Clark Wilkinson in the spring or summer of 2020 is asked to contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.

Congratulations Lt. John Jamison and Lt. Adam Simonsen

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FLAGSTAFF – Congratulations to John Jamison and Adam Simonsen how have been selected to fill the two vacant Operations Lieutenant positions at the Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Jamison will lead the Flagstaff Patrol District and Lieutenant Simonsen will lead the Administrative Sergeant, Search and Rescue, and PIO/community programs areas.

Lt. Jamison and Lt. Simonsen sworn in by Sheriff Driscoll.

Lieutenant Jamison has an extensive career in law enforcement. Lieutenant Jamison has been with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office since 2006. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, John worked for the Williams Police Department for 14 years where he held several assignments, to include Police Officer, Detective, and Sergeant.

Lieutenant Jamison has 31 years of law enforcement experience, consisting of 5 years as a deputy/officer, 3 years as a detective, and 23 years as a Sergeant. As a deputy with CCSO, he was assigned to the Northern Arizona GIITEM Gang Task Force for 2 years. He was the community deputy in Munds Park where he forged partnerships with residents and professionals. He was a key part in starting the Munds Park Neighborhood Watch, which is still one of the most active Neighborhood Watch groups today. John took an innovative approach to addressing community concerns, which made a significant difference in the safety of the community.

Lieutenant Simonsen has been with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office since December of 2020. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, he worked for the Kingman Police Department for 11 years where he held several assignments, to include Police Officer, Detective, and K9 Officer. Prior to working for the Kingman Police Department, Lt. Simonsen worked as a Detention Officer for the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office for approximately 3 years, where he was promoted to Detention Corporal.

Lieutenant Simonsen has significant experience in several different areas. His training and certifications throughout his career include Bicycle Patrol Training, Supervisor/Leadership Training, General Instructor Certification, Field Training Officer, Taser Instructor, Basic and Advanced Forensic Interviewing, Criminal Interdiction School, K9 Handler School (Narcotics and Patrol), and Pepper Ball Instructor Training. While at the Kingman Police Department, Adam earned the Distinguished Service Award, Department Commendation, Officer of the Year, Lettie Crocker Award (Community Chosen Award), and the Good Conduct Award. Lt. Simonsen is also an Eagle Scout.

We look forward to Lieutenant Jamison and Lieutenant Simonsen’s continued Service to Community in their new role as Lieutenants in the Operations Division at the Sheriff’s Office.

Fraudulent Scam Targeting Individuals in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has received several concerns from citizens reporting an apparent phone scam with the caller identified as “Captain Smith” of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office does not employee a “Captain Smith”.

The scammer poses as local law enforcement, contacting the victims and accusing  them of failing to appear for jury duty, stating a warrant for their arrest will be issued until the fine is paid. CCSO will never call to solicit funds or collect fines over the phone. Jury summonses are sent through the mail and communication through any other medium should be considered suspicious.

Anyone receiving such a call should contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office or their local law enforcement.

Reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a scam by following these crime prevention tips:

  •  Always be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails.
  •  Be cautious of mimicked telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. Even if the information displayed on the caller ID appears the same as a law enforcement or government agency, hang up and call the agency directly to verify the caller’s legitimacy.
  •  Never use a phone number provided to you by the caller to verify their credibility.
  •  Never give money or personal information to someone with whom you don’t have ties and did not initiate contact with.
  •  Take your time and trust your instincts: if an unknown caller makes you uncomfortable or says things that don’t sound right, hang up.

2.5-mile Stretch of Garland Prairie Road Closed Due to Flooding

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Public Works Department, in conjunction
with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Service, has closed the
2.5-mile stretch of Garland Prairie Road between Sycamore Creek to the east and
McDougal Flat to the west due to flooding along the roadway. Access to Garland Prairie
Road from White Horse Lake Road, which intersects from the south, also has been
closed, and signage is in place to direct motorists away from the flooded area.
This closure is necessary for public safety as flows of at least two feet in depth have
been reported on this section of Garland Prairie Road. The closure will remain in effect
until weather conditions allow Public Works to safely reopen the roadway.

CCSO Search and Rescue Conducts a Climbing Rescue Near Sedona

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SEDONA – On January 8th at 1717 hours the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a climbing party of five indicating that one of the climbers, a 25-year-old female, had her right leg stuck in crack in the rock after it slipped into the crack while she was climbing up the route on Queen Victoria Spire off of Schnebly Hill Road in Sedona. The climber and her partners could not extricate her leg from the crack. She was at the beginning of the second pitch of a climb on Queen Victoria Spire which meant she was approximately 200 feet above the ground and 150 feet below the summit of the spire. Her climbing partners had tried various methods to get her unstuck but were not successful. She was reported to be in pain, but no obvious injuries were observed.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit responded along with the Sedona Fire District and a request was made for assistance from Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue. Due to the time of day and the operation anticipated a DPS aircraft capable of nighttime hoist capability was needed. Upon the arrival of the Air Rescue helicopter in the area a rescue plan was developed to insert a Trooper/Medic to the scene by hoist to assess the situation and make attempts to free the climber from the crack. A team of Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue technical rescue personnel with rope rescue equipment was prepared to be inserted on the top of the spire by helicopter to rig a rope rescue system to assist. A Sedona Fire District team of technical rescue personnel were staged at the base of the climb to assist if needed.
After the assessment by the Trooper/Medic on scene it was determined that additional assistance from the technical rescue personnel was needed, so four technical rescue personnel and equipment were inserted to the top of the spire by helicopter to begin setting up the system. While the system was being prepared, the efforts by the Trooper/Medic were successful in freeing the climber’s leg from the crack. The helicopter was brought back in to hoist out two climbers and the Trooper/Medic from the scene. In addition, the helicopter was used to pick up the four rescuers and the additional three climbers from the top of the spire to transport them back to the incident command post. The climbers were evaluated by paramedics from Sedona Fire District and later refused additional medical care before leaving the scene.
This mission was complicated by operating in the dark on steep and complex terrain. The interagency relationships and training between the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the Sedona Fire District, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue were instrumental in the successful response and outcome of this mission.