Officers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) seized 4,116 pounds of marijuana during the course of several traffic stops made during the first half of February and through the efforts of criminal investigations led by DPS. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $2,263,800. Officers also seized 18 pounds of heroin and two pounds of meth during one traffic stop in Yuma County. The heroin has a street value of $286,264 and the meth has a street value of $34,000. The total value of the drugs seized is $2,584,064.
One of the most unique seizures took place on February, 5, 2009 at about 7:48 p.m. when a DPS Canine Officer stopped a white Ford pick-up truck for a traffic violation on Interstate 10 westbound five miles northwest of Casa Grande. The officer could smell a very strong odor of raw marijuana as he walked up to the pick-up. A search later revealed 11 bundles of marijuana strapped to the frame of the truck. The bundles weighed in at 171 pounds. The driver, Angel Villa, 27, of Las Vegas Nev., was arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail on marijuana distribution and possession charges. The marijuana and Ford truck were seized.
“The excellent work of the DPS officers assigned to our Highway Patrol Division is evident when they intercept drugs moving through the state. We hope these seizures send a message to the drug cartels that the heat is on in Arizona,” said Roger Vanderpool, director of the Department of Public Safety.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
State of Arizona and Maricopa County getting ready to test disaster preparedness during five-day event beginning March 9, 2009
Coyote Crisis Campaign (CCC) will focus on exercise planning issues surrounding an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) domestic terrorist attack
Approximately 25 hospitals from the Phoenix area will participate in the exercise along with police and fire departments from the federal, state, county and local levels
Coyote Crisis is a federal, state, local, and countywide disaster preparedness exercise being conducted March 9 - 13, 2009. Approximately 1,200 volunteers will be used to assist in an important portion of this exercise on March 10th, 2009. The majority of the volunteers will be used as mock victims to assist in the evaluation of the State’s Mobile Medical Response (MMR) and the hospitals response to a domestic terrorist attack involving an “Improvised Explosive Device”.
"The region is assessing the ability of responding fire service participants from 10 to 15 different agencies to triage, treat and transport 100 victims in a four-hour time period following the mock detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)," said Gil Damiani, Mesa Fire Department, Assistant Chief.
“The ASU Police Department and members from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, along with members from other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies will participate in Coyote Crisis 2009 in an effort to build upon our already great working relationships. Though several areas will be evaluated, we will focus heavily on interoperability and interaction with other emergency responders to control, mitigate, and recover from a major incident,” said Allen Clark, Arizona State University, Assistant Chief of Police.
“Approximately 25 hospitals from the Phoenix area will participate in the Coyote Crisis exercise. Exercise objectives for participating hospitals include evaluating mass casualty management, fatality management, forensic evidence collection, family notification and reunification, and medical surge. Special emphasis will be placed on the evaluation of interoperable communication plans and systems,” said Andrew Lawless, MBA, PMP - Section Chief, Education and Exercise, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Arizona Department of Health Services.
We would like the media’s assistance in getting the word out to the public that this exercise will be taking place and that on the 10th of March they may see a significant amount of emergency services units, especially in the ASU area of Tempe, moving around the city in support of this exercise. All factions of public safety, healthcare, and the business community will be tested throughout this week. More information to follow in weeks to come.
Approximately 25 hospitals from the Phoenix area will participate in the exercise along with police and fire departments from the federal, state, county and local levels
Coyote Crisis is a federal, state, local, and countywide disaster preparedness exercise being conducted March 9 - 13, 2009. Approximately 1,200 volunteers will be used to assist in an important portion of this exercise on March 10th, 2009. The majority of the volunteers will be used as mock victims to assist in the evaluation of the State’s Mobile Medical Response (MMR) and the hospitals response to a domestic terrorist attack involving an “Improvised Explosive Device”.
"The region is assessing the ability of responding fire service participants from 10 to 15 different agencies to triage, treat and transport 100 victims in a four-hour time period following the mock detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)," said Gil Damiani, Mesa Fire Department, Assistant Chief.
“The ASU Police Department and members from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, along with members from other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies will participate in Coyote Crisis 2009 in an effort to build upon our already great working relationships. Though several areas will be evaluated, we will focus heavily on interoperability and interaction with other emergency responders to control, mitigate, and recover from a major incident,” said Allen Clark, Arizona State University, Assistant Chief of Police.
“Approximately 25 hospitals from the Phoenix area will participate in the Coyote Crisis exercise. Exercise objectives for participating hospitals include evaluating mass casualty management, fatality management, forensic evidence collection, family notification and reunification, and medical surge. Special emphasis will be placed on the evaluation of interoperable communication plans and systems,” said Andrew Lawless, MBA, PMP - Section Chief, Education and Exercise, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Arizona Department of Health Services.
We would like the media’s assistance in getting the word out to the public that this exercise will be taking place and that on the 10th of March they may see a significant amount of emergency services units, especially in the ASU area of Tempe, moving around the city in support of this exercise. All factions of public safety, healthcare, and the business community will be tested throughout this week. More information to follow in weeks to come.
Friday, February 13, 2009
WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT PLANTED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE
A 19 year-old high school senior at Washington High School was responsible for placing a simulated explosive device on a support beam in a breezeway within the school campus. The school administrator and members of the Phoenix Police Department received information from the community that brought a quick conclusion to the investigation. The student, Oscan Zevada-Franco, has been transported to the MCSO jail where he has been booked for two criminal charges.
Charges:
ARS Code 13-3110.A "Misconduct involving simulated explosive devices"
ARS Code 13-2911.A1 "Interference with or disruption of an educational institution"
$5,000 REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION REGARDING ROBBERY SUSPECT
The public is being asked to assist Phoenix police with any information leading to the arrest of a suspect who is believed to have committed two robberies at two different locations. Surveillance cameras captured several photos (pictured here) of a robbery suspect on February 10, 2009 at the Chase Bank located at 701 E. Bell Road in Phoenix.
On Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 3:30 p.m., a suspect entered the Desert Schools Federal Credit Union located at 5555 N. 7th Street, placing two bank bags on the counter and handed the teller an envelope containing an electronic device and a note demanding money. The suspect was given an unspecified amount of U.S. currency and then left the bank. The device was left inside the bank as the suspect fled in a white Pontiac Grand Am that was driven by a second unknown suspect.
The Phoenix Police Department Bomb Squad responded and retrieved the device, rendering it safe. If you have information, please call Phoenix police. Desert Schools Federal Credit Union is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the suspectʼs arrest.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
APSN and Flagscanner.com Form Partnership
Arizona Public Safety News Network today announced that it has
officially formed a partnership with FlagScanner.com. This
partnership enables users of the APSN to receive notifications from
throughout Northern Arizona.
APSN is Arizona's premier source for Breaking News Alerts, providing
breaking news notification service to numerous media outlets
throughout Arizona.
Flagscanner.com hosts numerous live scanner audio feeds from Northern
Arizona and has provided audio files of major news events to media
outlets throughout the country.
officially formed a partnership with FlagScanner.com. This
partnership enables users of the APSN to receive notifications from
throughout Northern Arizona.
APSN is Arizona's premier source for Breaking News Alerts, providing
breaking news notification service to numerous media outlets
throughout Arizona.
Flagscanner.com hosts numerous live scanner audio feeds from Northern
Arizona and has provided audio files of major news events to media
outlets throughout the country.
Violent Criminal Apprehension Team makes 634 arrests since team was created 794 Felony Warrants Cleared
Since its creation in May of 2008, the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) has made 634 arrests. A total of 794 felony warrants have been cleared. The latest arrests include:
Lorenzo Anthony Manard, 21, of Phoenix. Manard was arrested on February 11, 2009, on a felony warrant for drugs and theft. He was on intensive probation at the time of his arrest. When VCAT Officers came to the third story apartment where Manard was living, he went to the window and jumped 25 feet breaking off several tree branches. Manard then tried to flee on foot but was apprehended by officers. He was treated and released at a nearby hospital before being booked at the Maricopa County Jail.
Michael Lee Claunts, 27, of Glendale. Claunts was arrested on February 5, 2009, for two felony warrants out of the Maricopa County Superior Court for probation violations on sexual exploitation of a minor and sexual conduct with a minor charges in the city of Glendale. VCAT was asked by the Maricopa County Adult Probation to take Claunts into immediate custody. Claunts is a registered sex offender.
On February 5, 2009, at about 2:31 p.m., James Lobnow attempted to rob the King Tut’s convenience store at milepost 19 on State Route 68 (near Bullhead City). The clerks refused to give him any money prompting the suspect to flee. A GIITEM (Gang & Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission) detective was traveling through the area and located the suspect hiding near the store. The detective took him into custody and turned him over to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.
Lorenzo Anthony Manard, 21, of Phoenix. Manard was arrested on February 11, 2009, on a felony warrant for drugs and theft. He was on intensive probation at the time of his arrest. When VCAT Officers came to the third story apartment where Manard was living, he went to the window and jumped 25 feet breaking off several tree branches. Manard then tried to flee on foot but was apprehended by officers. He was treated and released at a nearby hospital before being booked at the Maricopa County Jail.
Michael Lee Claunts, 27, of Glendale. Claunts was arrested on February 5, 2009, for two felony warrants out of the Maricopa County Superior Court for probation violations on sexual exploitation of a minor and sexual conduct with a minor charges in the city of Glendale. VCAT was asked by the Maricopa County Adult Probation to take Claunts into immediate custody. Claunts is a registered sex offender.
On February 5, 2009, at about 2:31 p.m., James Lobnow attempted to rob the King Tut’s convenience store at milepost 19 on State Route 68 (near Bullhead City). The clerks refused to give him any money prompting the suspect to flee. A GIITEM (Gang & Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission) detective was traveling through the area and located the suspect hiding near the store. The detective took him into custody and turned him over to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.
Two people stabbed and police search for suspect
On Monday, February 9th, at about 11:50 pm officers responded to a house
in the 8200 block of West Yucca on a 911 hang-up call. Upon arriving
officers found two victims had been stabbed, a 48 year old female had
life threatening injuries and a 69 year old female with non-life
threatening injuries who has been treated and released. Information was
developed by detectives that the suspect listed above committed the
stabbings. The suspect is the boyfriend of the 48 year old victim and
the suspect is still outstanding.
Suspect
Gettus L. Mintz
B/M, 55 years old, 511, 215, shaved head possible mustache
Vehicle:
1998, Red Ford Escort 4 door, AZ ACC-9170
If anyone has information on this incident or the suspect they are asked
to call Peoria Police at 623-773-8311.
in the 8200 block of West Yucca on a 911 hang-up call. Upon arriving
officers found two victims had been stabbed, a 48 year old female had
life threatening injuries and a 69 year old female with non-life
threatening injuries who has been treated and released. Information was
developed by detectives that the suspect listed above committed the
stabbings. The suspect is the boyfriend of the 48 year old victim and
the suspect is still outstanding.
Suspect
Gettus L. Mintz
B/M, 55 years old, 511, 215, shaved head possible mustache
Vehicle:
1998, Red Ford Escort 4 door, AZ ACC-9170
If anyone has information on this incident or the suspect they are asked
to call Peoria Police at 623-773-8311.
Friday, February 6, 2009
ARIZONA RANGERS TO CELEBRATE STATEHOOD WITH FREE 2-DAY EVENT IN BENSON
The Benson Company of the Arizona Rangers, along with the City of Benson and the Benson/San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring “Arizona Rangers Territorial Days” on February 14th and 15th.
The event returns the Territorial Days celebration to Benson and to commemorate Arizona’s statehood on February 14th, 1912. Activities will be held at the Arena in downtown Benson, located at 4th Street and Prickly Pear Avenue. .
This year’s celebration includes a cowboy mounted shooting competition featuring the Old Pueblo Peacemakers, an old west fashion show by the Tombstone Vigilettes, appearances by Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, an Arizona Rangers camp, US Cavalry units, and much more.
Popular local band “Exit 303” will play a concert Saturday evening starting at 7:00pm. All the activities, including the concert and parking, are free to the public. Spectators are encouraged to dress in the spirit of the celebration!
The Arizona Rangers were formed in 1901. The 26-man police force cleaned up the territory in preparation for statehood, and was disbanded in 1909. The Arizona Rangers were formed again in 1957 as a law enforcement auxiliary, and continues to serve the citizens of Arizona.
For more information on Territorial Days 2009 check out their website at www.bensonarizonarangers.org and click on Upcoming events. Or call Lt. Brad Cherry at 520-586-0952 or Capt. Kevin Rasch at 520-661-3668.
The event returns the Territorial Days celebration to Benson and to commemorate Arizona’s statehood on February 14th, 1912. Activities will be held at the Arena in downtown Benson, located at 4th Street and Prickly Pear Avenue. .
This year’s celebration includes a cowboy mounted shooting competition featuring the Old Pueblo Peacemakers, an old west fashion show by the Tombstone Vigilettes, appearances by Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, an Arizona Rangers camp, US Cavalry units, and much more.
Popular local band “Exit 303” will play a concert Saturday evening starting at 7:00pm. All the activities, including the concert and parking, are free to the public. Spectators are encouraged to dress in the spirit of the celebration!
The Arizona Rangers were formed in 1901. The 26-man police force cleaned up the territory in preparation for statehood, and was disbanded in 1909. The Arizona Rangers were formed again in 1957 as a law enforcement auxiliary, and continues to serve the citizens of Arizona.
For more information on Territorial Days 2009 check out their website at www.bensonarizonarangers.org and click on Upcoming events. Or call Lt. Brad Cherry at 520-586-0952 or Capt. Kevin Rasch at 520-661-3668.
Arizona Department of Public Safety Officers seize over half a million in U.S. currency during January
Several traffic stops by Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Officers, along with the efforts of DPS criminal investigators, resulted in the seizure of $544,611 in drug money during January. All of the money seized was U.S. currency.
One of the largest cash seizures made by DPS during the month occurred Jan. 6 when a DPS Canine Officer stopped a 2009 Buick sedan for a traffic violation on Interstate 40 westbound just east of Flagstaff. While talking with the driver, the officer observed indicators of criminal activity and deployed his canine which alerted to the trunk area of the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a box in the trunk which contained $133,420 in U.S. currency.
The driver was identified as Damon John Louis, 31, of San Francisco, Calif. He was detained, questioned and later released. The money was seized and the vehicle was returned to the rental agency. The investigation is continuing into this seizure.
“This one traffic stop shows what law enforcement is facing in the ongoing battle against drug cartels doing business in Arizona. Thanks to the professionalism and vigilance of this DPS officer, this seizure will help our criminal investigators follow the money that will hopefully lead to more arrests in the effort to keep our communities safe,” said Roger Vanderpool, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
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