AZ DPS investigating seven fatal collisions in state since Saturday

Monday, July 23, 2012

Arizona Department of Public Safety investigates seven fatal collisions statewide since Saturday

None of the collisions appear to be weather related

On Saturday, July 21,  at 8:32 a.m., there was a five vehicle fatal collision that occurred in the eastbound lanes of State Route 101 at milepost 19.7.  Vehicle #1, a black Acura, struck the rear of Vehicle #2, a Red Chevrolet, which caused a chain reaction collision in which the rider of a motorcycle, Dallas G. Langham, 76, was struck and killed.

On Saturday, July 21, at 3 p.m., there was a cross-over fatal collision.  Vehicle#1, a GMC truck, was southbound on Interstate 17 at milepost 230.7 (near Anthem) in the #2 lane when it sustained a tire failure.  The driver of the GMC truck lost control of the vehicle and crossed the median into the northbound lanes of I-17 colliding with a Ford pickup truck.  The collision caused the GMC truck to roll over and both occupants were ejected.  A third vehicle struck the GMC truck.  Anthony Ghigo, 59, of Phoenix, was deceased on scene. Mr. Ghigo was a passenger in the Ford truck.

On Saturday, July 21,  at 5:24 p.m., there was a fatal collision on U.S. 180 near Springerville. A Chevrolet sedan was traveling westbound on U.S. 180 when, for an unknown reason, the vehicle went off right and overcorrected.  The vehicle went across U.S. 180 and rolled off the eastbound side of the road. The passenger, James A. Nelson, 32, was pronounced deceased at White Mountain Community Hospital.

On Saturday, July 21,  at 7:59 p.m., there was a fatal collision on Interstate 40.  A Mazda passenger vehicle was eastbound when, for an unknown reason, it collided with the guardrail. The vehicle then vaulted 40 feet straight down and landed on its top directly onto the train track. The vehicle was then struck by a train.  We believe both occupants were deceased prior to being struck by the train.  Nika Dawkins St. Claire, 62 (driver) of Oakland, California and Savannah Kaitlin Dawkins, 27 of San Leandro, California were both deceased on scene.

On Sunday, July 22,  at 12:57 a.m., a van carrying 12 passengers was eastbound on Interstate 40 near Holbrook when the rear tire tread separated.  The driver lost control causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and roll.  Ovilho Perez-Ortiz, 30, of Guatemala and Audias Deleon Gonzalez, 18, of Mexico were both deceased on-scene. The driver fled on foot. The remaining 10 passengers were not injured.  ICE is investigating this incident.

On Sunday, July 22,  at 3:30 p.m., a Sedan driven by Harvey Young, 87, of Ontario, Oregon was eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 near Kingman when it was struck head-on by other vehicles attempting to pass a commercial vehicle.  Harvey Young was deceased on-scene.  His passenger, 73-year-old Clara A. Young, was pronounced deceased at Sunrise Medical Center in Las Vegas.

On Sunday, July 22,  at 4 p.m., a Chevrolet pickup truck was westbound on State Route 78 near the New Mexico state line when, for an unknown reason, the vehicle traveled off the road and down an embankment.  The passenger in the pickup truck, James Damron, 61, of Duncan, Arizona was deceased on-scene.

Swift Water Rescue Rodeo today at Saguaro Lake Ranch

ADPS Aviation Unit participating in 11th Annual Swift Water Rescue Rodeo Saturday, June 2 

Every year, more people are killed in floods or moving water than any other natural disaster. In past years, as many as 13 people have died in Arizona as a direct result of flash floods or fast-moving water. Countless other people were rescued by specially trained teams such as those that will be demonstrating their skills at Saturday’s Swift Water Rescue Rodeo event.

This exciting event, which will take place this Saturday, June 2, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. will be held at Saguaro Lake Ranch which is located just below the Stewart Mountain Dam at Saguaro Lake off of Bush Highway.

This event will feature teams from across the state that are specially trained to rescue victims caught in fast-moving water. The teams will compete in numerous scenarios created to resemble real swift-water rescues that have occurred in the past.

This year’s event will be open to any agency or club that participates in swift-water rescues. Members of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Aviation Unit will participate and would like to invite any members of the media who would like to cover the event or participate as a team member (they will be partnered up with a certified rescue technician) to get a real feel of what it takes to conduct these rescues.

With monsoon season quickly approaching, it’s important to remind the public that attempting to cross flooded roads, washes and moving water is extremely dangerous.

Driving tips for Memorial Day weekend

ADPS encourages safe driving over holiday weekend 

Taking proper driving precautions could save your life

Thursday, May 24, 2012 -

During the long Memorial Day weekend last year, nine people lost their lives in traffic collisions across Arizona. During the same weekend in 2010, nine people died in traffic collisions statewide. During the Memorial Day weekend in 2009, seven people died in traffic collisions across Arizona.

DPS expects heavy traffic throughout the state during this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, and wants to make sure the motoring public takes proper precautions if taking to the busy roadways for the holiday. Taking the proper precautions and practicing safe driving habits saves lives.

Before setting out on the road remember to bring plenty of water. Check the condition of your tires for sufficient tread. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Be sure to check your gauges.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) has developed a list of several of the top causes of traffic collisions.

Attentiveness/Fatigue –Make sure you are well rested before setting out on the road. Sleep deprived drivers pose a significant danger on Arizona highways. Reaction times are adversely affected when drivers are not alert. Get plenty of rest before you begin your journey. A number of fatal collisions investigated by DPS involved fatigued drivers. Don’t be one of them.

Impaired Driving – If you are planning on drinking this holiday weekend make sure you have a designated driver or plans to call a cab. Once you start drinking your ability to make sound decisions decreases with each drink. Impaired driving extends beyond just the consumption of alcohol. Never use illegal drugs or drive while taking prescription drugs that may impair your driving ability.

Safety Belt Usage – A safety belt will ensure that you stop with your car. Without it, you may end up being thrown from the vehicle if you are involved in a collision.

Speeding – Speeding greatly increases the chances of a collision and reduces the amount of time to avoid one. Following the speed limits will decrease the chances of serious injury or death in a collision.

In anticipation of record-breaking summer heat, DPS offers tips for summer driving and car care

Tips For Summer Driving And Car Care

Thursday, May 17, 2012 -

In anticipation of record-breaking summer heat the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) wants to make sure that drivers are taking appropriate measures to ensure their vehicles are safe. DPS is advising that drivers check their tires to make sure they have sufficient tread and proper inflation. Moreover, if travelers are taking long road trips DPS would like to remind them to carry extra water during those trips.

27-year-old cold case solved

Arizona DPS Detectives assist in identifying victim of train accident
Missing person case solved after 27 years
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 -

On May 17, 1985, a male pedestrian was struck by a train at

Central Ave.

The subject was pronounced deceased on scene and was injured beyond recognition. Among his possessions was a time card with the name “Luis Gonzales” and a date of birth of Feb. 16, 1932. His fingerprints were compared to the Luis Gonzales with that date of birth on file but there was no match.

A working group of detectives from Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Phoenix Police Department, and Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office has been working to identify John and Jane Does using advanced technologies. After re-examining the 1985 case, a Phoenix Police Department detective, who is a member of the group, located fingerprints from the John Doe and submitted them to the Arizona Deparrtment of Public Safety for analysis.

In February 2011 the Medical examiners office exhumed the subject to obtain DNA and dentals.

DPS Fingerprint Technician Jennifer Valdez, who has helped in a number of other unidentified victim cases, was able to take the evidence presented and make a positive match. The prints were shown to be those of Luis Gonzales with a date of birth of Sept. 24, 1944. Detectives have been unable to locate any next of kin for Luis but will continue to look.

After 27 years, Luis Gonzales has his name back thanks to the cooperative efforts of detectives and technicians from a number of different agencies.

Motorcyclist killed on 101 and Northern

Rider run over twice by vehicles that did not stop

On Tuesday, April 24 at around 10:30 p.m.  a motorcycle rider entered southbound SR 101 at Northern, upon entering the highway the rider lost control and became dismounted from his bike. 
While lying in the middle lane of traffic the rider was struck by an unknown semi truck which did not stop. As traffic started to slow, witnesses claim that a teal colored passenger car went around stopped traffic striking the downed rider once again, the teal colored passenger then continued on southbound on the SR101.
Parts from the teal passenger car remained on scene and will be processed as evidence.  DPS is asking for anyone who may have any details on the semi truck or teal colored passenger car to come forward.  The motorcycle rider has not been identified at this time and DPS is still investigating the fatality collision.

DPS urges motorists to use extreme caution as northern Arizona is slammed by late winter storm

The National Weather Service predicts up to 20 inches of snow in Arizona's High Country over the weekend

Friday, March 16, 2012 -

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) has been advised that northern Arizona, above 5,000 feet, could receive upwards of 10-20 inches of snow accumulation between late Saturday night and Monday morning of this weekend.

In addition, low overnight and morning temperatures are expected to cause a hard freeze making highways extremely slippery. If you must travel to the high country this weekend, please remember to be patient as traffic will be moving slower. DPS will be shifting its highway patrol resources to make as many patrolmen available as possible to respond to emergency calls during this period.

• To check the latest winter road conditions, call 5-1-1 or view the information on the web at www.AZ511.gov. Dial 9-1-1 only for emergency situations.
• Remember, the speed limit is based on dry clear roads, don’t drive too fast for conditions. Four-wheel drive doesn’t permit you to drive faster on snow packed or icy roads.
• Leave at least 500 feet of distance between your vehicle and a snowplow or salt truck.
• Make sure you have enough gas to reach your final destination; it can be hazardous to be stopped along the sides of the highway in these conditions.
• Take note of mileposts, exit numbers or crossroads in case of an emergency so law enforcement officers or tow truck operators can find you.

IIMPACT arrests three suspects in human smuggling operation

Arrests made after DPS executes search warrant at suspected Phoenix drop house 

11 undocumented immigrants found

Friday, March 09, 2012 -

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, Arizona Department of Public Safety IIMPACT detectives with the assistance of the DPS Tactical Unit and Highway Patrol executed a search warrant at 4821 N. 111^th Avenue in Phoenix, resulting in the arrest of 11 people.

IIMPACT received information regarding possible human smuggling at the address in Phoenix and began an in-depth investigation. Surveillance was conducted and the intelligence gathered was enough to pursue the search warrant.

In total, 11 arrests were made. Three suspects were booked into the 4^th Avenue jail on human smuggling charges and the other eight who are UDA’s (Undocumented Aliens) were processed for removal from the United States by ICE (Immigration and Custom Enforcement).

Several items were collected for evidence including handguns and 15 pounds of marijuana.

Suspects arrested: Jorge Antonio Palacio-Vargas – 10/19/84

David Alejandro Barraza-Juarez – 07/26/84

Hector Manuel Osuna-Alvarado- 12/13/79

Charges: human smuggling/profit, misconduct involving weapons, and Produce marijuana for sale.

Pilot of dangerous Superstition Mountain rescue last week involved in three previous rescues

DPS Air Rescue Crew assists in Superstition Mountains

Friday, March 09, 2012 -

On Friday, March 2, at 4:06 p.m, DPS Phoenix Ranger was requested by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to assist in the search and rescue and technical rescue of an injured person 3.5 miles north of the First Water Trailhead in the Superstition Mountains. The injured hiker was trapped 100 feet from the top of the canyon wedged into a tight slot. The Ranger crew flew to the trailhead and started inserting 14 technical rescue crew members from the Central Arizona Mountain Rescue Association (MCSO-CAMRA). The 14 rescuers were dropped east of the rescue scene using a skid. This operation took place at night requiring the air crew to use vision goggles. Ranger remained on standby at the trailhead while CAMRA affected a ground rescue of the patient. When ready, Ranger flew back to the scene and extricated the patient using a litter. The injured hiker was flown to the trailhead and turned over to MCSO and Southwest Ambulance. He was admitted to Scottsdale Osborn Trauma Center.

This mission began shortly after 4 p.m. and ended at about 1:40 a.m.

The hiker identified as Edward Weston, 47, from Washington remains in Scottsdale Osborn hospital in serious but stable condition.

The pilot, Hunter French, was also involved in the rescue of several teens hiking in the White Tank Mountains last week.

DPS State Gang Task Force arrests Vagos Gang members and followers involved in violent encounters in bars

An eight month DPS investigation, Operation 22, results in 11 search warrants, 10 arrest warrants across Mohave County

On Wednesday, Feb. 29,  the Gang Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GITEM) executed 11 search warrants, along with 10 arrest warrants, at various locations across Mohave County to include Bullhead City, Ft. Mohave, Mohave Valley, Lake Havasu City and Laughlin, Nevada.

The arrests culminated an eight-month investigation into the resurgence of violent crimes related to the Vagos Motorcycle Gang in the Bullhead City area. There have been several incidents where Vagos members and their followers have been involved in violent encounters involving patrons of local bars. The latest incident occurred Dec. 23, 2011, at Lazy Harry’s Lounge in Bullhead City. During this incident, a patron was assaulted, dragged out of the bar, and beaten by several members of the Vagos Motorcycle Gang.

Shortly thereafter, GITEM Mohave Enforcement began its investigation into the incident. This investigation coincided with another investigation into the Lake Havasu chapter of the Vagos Motorcycle gang. The alleged gang members are reported to be involved in assaults, witness intimidation, drug sales, motorcycle theft, and possession of stolen property.

Suspects arrested:                                      Ryan Welsch, 26, Lake Havasu

                              Shawn Patrick Bailey, 36, Bullhead City

                              Gabriel Nader, 25, Bullhead City

Charges: Aggravated Assault, Riot and participating in a Criminal Street Gang

Suspects arrested:                                     Bernard Prano, 55, Lake Havasu

                              Peter Velliodis, 39, Laughlin, Nevada

                              Paul Anthony Villegas, 41, Lake Havasu

                              Robert Wayne Mann, 46, Bullhead City

                              Robert Kellar, 36, Bullhead City

                              Daniel McDonald, 53, Ft. Mohave

                   

Charges: Theft of Means of Transportation, Participating in a Criminal Street Gang

                 Possession of a Vehicle with a Defaced Vehicle Identification Number

Suspect Arrested:                                Kenneth William Gallego, 35, Ft Mohave

Charges: Attempted Intimidation of a Witness

                 Assisting a Criminal Street Gang

Suspect Arrested:                                Dale Warren Smith, 52, Mohave Valley

Charges: Mishandling of Explosives

All were booked into the Mohave County Jail

Routine traffic stop near Eloy turns up 19.5 pounds of meth, 12 pounds of cocaine

DPS officers uncover false compartment in vehicle, drugs valued at $300,000

 On Tuesday,  Feb. 21, at about 7:10 p.m., an Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer stopped a 1997 BMW four-door sedan for speeding in a construction zone and for following another vehicle too closely.  The traffic stop took place along Interstate 10 near Eloy.

According to information from the DPS, the driver agreed to a search of his vehicle.  A false compartment had been installed in the rear floorboard of the vehicle.  Inside the compartment, officers found 12 packages of methamphetamine totaling 19.5 pounds.  Four packages of cocaine were also discovered in the false compartment, totaling about 12 pounds. The combined street value of the drugs is about $300,000.

The driver of the vehicle, Ricardo Siqueiros, 32, of Nogales, Ariz., was arrested and booked into the Pinal County Jail on the following charges: possession of dangerous drugs for sale, transportation of dangerous drugs for sale, possession of narcotic drugs for sale and transportation of narcotic drugs for sale.

Siqueiros told officers he is employed as a teacher at a charter school in Nogales, Ariz.

Hit and run driver sought in fatal accident on I-17

Fatal collision occurred in southbound lane of I-17 just after 4 a.m. on Jan. 23

Friday, January 27, 2012 -

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) needs the public’s help to identify the driver of a vehicle that left the scene of a fatal collision on Monday, Jan. 23.

The fatal collision occurred just after 4 a.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 17 at Happy Valley Road. The vehicles involved were a semi-truck, a 1998 Saturn station wagon and an unknown other vehicle.

 DPS needs help in identifying the unknown vehicle and/or its driver. The unknown vehicle should have damage to its front left corner and is believed to be a larger profile vehicle such as an SUV or truck with large tires.

The DPS Vehicular Crimes Unit is investigating the crash and would appreciate the public’s help. If you have any information regarding this collision, you are asked to call DPS at (602) 223-2000.

Highway patrol officers from around the U.S. focus on commercial enforcement on I-10

Unique multi-state enforcement event targets commercial vehicle on I-10 in Phoenix,  finds 100 violations on 33 vehicles that were stopped.

Friday, December 16, 2011 -

A unique law enforcement operation took place yesterday morning on Interstate 10 in Phoenix involving Highway Patrol Officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and their counterparts from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Idaho Highway Patrol (IHP).

Also involved in the operation, which focused on commercial vehicle traffic enforcement, were officers from several other agencies not generally associated with highway patrol work in Arizona, including the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the Arkansas Highway Patrol, and the Moopi Tribal Police in Nevada.

The purpose of the operation, which took place from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. near Interstate 10 and Warner road, was twofold. First, it was designed to provide advanced training to officers in the specialized field of commercial vehicle enforcement. Twenty officers assigned to DPS’s award-winning Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Bureau provided the training with the assistance of CHP and IHP officers.

Secondly, the operation was meant to improve the overall safety of the motoring public on the interstate by having the Arizona DPS officers strictly enforce commercial vehicle laws and regulations. As part of their training, officers from the other agencies closely observed the Arizona DPS officers while they conducted their enforcement efforts that included traffic stops and commercial vehicle inspections.

A total of 33 commercial vehicles were stopped and inspected by Arizona DPS officers during the operation with 11 of those vehicles being placed out-of-service for having a severe violation or a series of severe violations (most violations that result in a commercial vehicle being placed out-of-service roadside are those that have a direct negative impact on the overall safety of the vehicle and/or ability of the driver to operate the vehicle in safe fashion).

By the time the operation had concluded, participating officers had found and documented over 100 violations on the 33 vehicles that were stopped. With 42 percent of the vehicles inspected being placed out of service, and the invaluable training provided to participating officers during the event, the operation clearly made a positive impact on public safety.

DPS IIMPACT searching for three members of Moreno drug smuggling organization

Osvaldo Moreno Herrera

Julio Cesar Alavarado Yanez

Christian Palacios

Three members of the Moreno drug smuggling group being sought by IIMPACT

Wednesday, December 07, 2011 -

IIMPACT (Illegal Immigration Prevention Apprehension Co-op Team) detectives are searching for three leaders of the notorious Moreno drug-smuggling organization. These members are all part of a smuggling group that has been transporting hundreds of pounds of marijuana a week into the Phoenix area. The group uses armed guards who travel alongside the smugglers from Mexico to southern Arizona deserts where the marijuana gets picked up.

Last week a Maricopa County Grand Jury indicted six members of the Moreno drug smuggling group including its ringleader, Ines Moreno. Moreno has been deported at least a dozen times while using a Mexican identification which has allowed him to re-enter the U.S.

All were indicted on the following charges:

• Sale or Transportation of Marijuana
• Possession of Marijuana for Sale
• Illegal Control of an Enterprise
• Misconduct with weapons

IIMPACT is specifically looking for Christian Palacios, an American citizen who resides in the Valley along with Mexican national Julio Cesar Alavarado Yanez and Osvaldo Moreno Herrera. All three suspects are believed to be hiding either in Mexico or Arizona.

Individual members of this organization earn up to $80,000 a week for smuggling marijuana into the Phoenix area.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these three suspects should call local police.