Doney Park Neighborhood Watch Meeting

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jim Driscoll and District 4 Supervisor Mandy Metzger would like to invite residents of the Doney Park community to attend the monthly Neighborhood Watch meeting on Thursday, December 3, 2015. Due to a scheduling conflict this meeting will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at a different location which is Summit Fire District Station 31 located at 6425 N. Cosnino Road at the intersection of Townsend Winona and Cosnino.

Chief Deputy Jim Driscoll and Supervisor Mandy Metzger will be available to answer questions and provide support to this partnership between law abiding citizens, law enforcement and county government.

This meeting will serve as our holiday celebration and all residents of the Doney Park Community are invited to participate. Please bring a side dish, a salad or a desert.

This meeting will give us an opportunity to socialize with one another and enjoy each other’s company and celebrate a year’s worth of Neighborhood Watch successes. Our distinguished guest of honor will be retiring Summit Fire Chief Don Howard who has served the community as Fire Chief for 38 years. Please join us in thanking Chief Howard for a job well done.

Neighborhood Watch is similar to the Block Watch program commonly conducted in urban areas and goes back to the concept of “neighbors looking out for neighbors” that many people remember from 30 years ago. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent and deter criminal activity, attend to home and personal security, address the safety of our children and the elderly, and to alleviate fear and isolation. Residents learn how to observe and report suspicious activity and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

For more information about the Neighborhood Watch program and the meeting schedule, please call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 226-5089.

Timberline/Fernwood Neighborhood Watch Holiday Potluck

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jim Driscoll and Coconino County Supervisor Liz Archuleta would like to invite residents of the Timberline and Fernwood communities to the monthly Neighborhood Watch meeting on Tuesday, December 1, 2015. The meeting will be held from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Summit Fire Station 33, located at 6050 Firehouse Lane, off of Highway 89N. Chief Deputy, Jim Driscoll staff will be at the meeting to share information and encourage continued neighborhood participation.

This meeting will serve as our holiday celebration and all residents of the Timberline and Fernwood Communities are invited to participate. Please bring a side dish, a salad or a desert.

This meeting will give us an opportunity to socialize with one another and enjoy each other’s company and celebrate a year’s worth of Neighborhood Watch successes.

Neighborhood Watch is similar to the Block Watch program commonly conducted in urban areas and goes back to the concept of “neighbors looking out for neighbors” that many people remember from 30 years ago. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent and deter criminal activity, attend to home and personal security, address the safety of our children and the elderly, and to alleviate fear and isolation. Residents learn how to observe and report suspicious activity and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

For more information about the Neighborhood Watch program and the meeting schedule, please call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 226-5089.

Walmart bomb scare results in arrest

On Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 10:52 a.m., Officers were called to the parking lot of Walmart at 2750 Woodlands in regards to what appeared to be some type of explosive device. When Officers arrived they located several propane tanks, an extension cord, and a battery charger.

A witness was contacted and he described two subjects in a white colored Ford Mustang who had taken the tanks out of the car. The passenger then left the parking lot and the driver left the tanks in the parking lot and drove out of the area.

Officers cordoned off the area, and requested the Bomb Squad to respond as a safety precaution. The Bomb Squad arrived and inspected the tanks and determined they were not being used as any type of explosive devices. After speaking with the witness and reviewing parking lot video, an attempt to locate was sent to surrounding officers for contact with the white Mustang.

An Officer located the Mustang and attempted to pull it over and driver did not comply. Other Officers in the area in unmarked vehicles located the car and described it as driving on the grass and driving in a reckless manner. The vehicle was monitored and was followed as it moved towards the Brannen homes area, and came to a stop after driving off the roadway and into the wooded area near the 1000 block of Dogwood. The driver ran from the vehicle and was quickly apprehended by Officers in the area.

The driver has been identified as 53 year old Berel David Stolworth of Durango Colorado. Stolworth was taken into custody and charged with Possession of Narcotic Drugs for Transport, Possession of Narcotic Drugs for Sale, Possession of Dangerous Drugs for Sale and Unlawful Flight from Law Enforcement. This investigation is currently still under investigation, and further information will be forthcoming.

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

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.

Lane restrictions scheduled next week as part of statewide project to install digital message boards

Motorists travelling across the state on Interstate 40 and State Route 260 should prepare for one lane restrictions and intermittent delays, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Work is scheduled to be completed as follows:

  • Crews are scheduled to work on westbound I-40 in Ash Fork (milepost 148) from 5 a.m. to noon on Monday, (Nov. 9). Drivers should expect a lane restriction and delays as traffic will be stopped intermittently to install an overhead sign structure.
  • Crews are also scheduled to work on westbound I -40 in Flagstaff (milepost 197) from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, (Nov. 10). Drivers should expect a lane restriction and delays as traffic will be stopped intermittently to install an overhead sign structure.
  • Additionally, crews are scheduled to work on eastbound SR 260 in Show Low (milepost 335) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, (Nov. 12). Drivers should expect a lane restriction and delays as traffic will be stopped intermittently to install an overhead sign structure.

Drivers are advised to merge safely to one lane and be prepared to stop as crews complete overhead sign installation work.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.

Sheriff Deputies and Detectives Investigate the Death of a Man

FLAGSTAFF — 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.

Once the investigation at the scene was complete the body was released to a representative of the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Although Detectives believe they know the name of the deceased individual, his name will not be released until positive identification and notification of his next of kin are completed.

Detectives and Medical Examiner’s Death Investigators will continue this investigation in an attempt to determine the deceased person’s name as well as the manner and mode of his death.

Flagstaff Police seek information on Circle K Robbery

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.

Williams gets 3-inches of snow

64015-11-04 005WILLIAMS — According to the weather report from Channel 3 news in Phoenix, Williams received three-inches of snow with Flagstaff receiving 4.5-inches.

While Williams received only a dusting overnight, snow began to fall at about 8:45 a.m. and has been falling steadily as of this writing.

Webcams around our area do show the impact of the storm that moved in Monday. The first image shows a view of the central campus. The camera view from the Weather Service in Bellmont shows a view of the San Francisco Peaks and the ADOT cam shows a view of I-40 around milepost 190. No significant snow fall appears at the Grand Canyon. These images are all from about 9 a.m. this morning.
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Travel from Williams to Flagstaff may be hampered by snow and ice. A winter storm warning has been issued until midnight tonight. This means, of course, ice and we advise taking your time on I-40 and around Flagstaff.

Multiple Search and Rescue Responses during the Past Weekend

FLAGSTAFF — On October 16th at approximately 6:00 PM the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue responded to a report of an overdue hunter in the Cataract Canyon area off of Espee Road. The adult male hunter from Surprise, AZ was last seen by the rest of his party at 3:00 PM and became separated when a strong thunderstorm moved in to the area reducing visibility. The hunting party conducted their own search until about 6:00 PM when they decided to call for help.

The missing hunter had a medical condition and a lack of clothing and equipment that raised the level of concern for the Sheriff’s Office. A ground search was initiated with deputies, officers from Arizona Game and Fish, and Search and Rescue. In the morning hours of October 17th the weather improved enough to allow for air search operations with the Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Unit from Kingman.

At approximately 7:30 AM a deputy conducting a containment patrol on Espee Road located the hunter in good condition and transported him to the incident command post where he was interviewed and then reunited with his hunting party.

While the search on Espee Road was getting underway Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue also responded to a report of a lost hiker on the Humphrey’s Peak Trail. The adult female subject from Kentucky called 911 indicating that she was lost and got off trail while descending the trail. A deputy and a US Forest Service Officer hiked up the trail and made voice contact and then physical contact with the subject at 8:10 PM. SAR personnel responded to the area and drove a UTV up one of the Arizona Snowbowl catwalks to get close to the trail. The subject and the rescuers then met and all were transported down to the trailhead.

During both operations the weather was poor with rain, thunderstorms, and cool conditions. It is important that outdoor recreationists pay attention to the weather forecast and carry appropriate equipment for the conditions.

At a minimum those recreating in the outdoors should carry the Ten Essentials which include: water, food, extra warm clothing, navigation equipment (map, compass, GPS), headlamp/flashlight (and extra batteries), first aid kit, shelter material (space blanket/large leaf bag), fire starting kit or backpacking stove, pocket knife/multi-tool, and whistle/signal mirror.

A cell phone is also a very helpful emergency tool but should not be totally relied upon. These items will help keep individuals comfortable during an emergency and also aid rescuers in locating them.

Sheriff’s office to hold Community Emergency Response Team Training

Sheriff-Patch005FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Sheriff’s office will be hosting Community Emergency Response Team Training in Flagstaff at the Search and Rescue Training Facility, 911 E. Sawmill Road. This free of charge and open to all citizens.

The course will run from Tuesday October 27 to Thursday October 29. On Tuesday and Wednesday the course will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. concluding Thursday at noon.

Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors as number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages will prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment’s notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate lifesaving and life sustaining needs. Classes include:

  • Session I, DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
  • Session II, DISASTER FIRE SUPPRESSION
  • Session III, DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS PART I
  • Session IV, DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS PART II
  • Session V, LIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS
  • Session VI, DISASTER PSYCHOLOGY AND TEAM ORGANIZATION
  • Session VII, COURSE REVIEW AND DISASTER SIMULATION

Citizens desiring more information or to register for the class can call Deputy Gerry Blair at 928-266-5089


Sponsored by:
Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Bill Pribil, Sheriff
Coconino County Emergency Management