PHOENIX -- Leading Phoenix Mercury scorer Diana Taurasi was cited for drunken driving just a few hours after the club's win over the Seattle Storm.
Phoenix police spokesman Luis Samudio said an officer stopped Taurasi near 7th Avenue and Camelback Road at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday.
She was allegedly speeding and failing to use one lane.
A police statement shows the officer smelled alcohol and gave her several field sobriety tests.
Taurasi was then driven to a mobile DUI van where she gave a blood sample, then was cited and released.
"After completing the initial investigation, Ms. Taurasi was ... released to friends," said Samudio.
He added, "Throughout the entire investigation, Ms. Taurasi was courteous and polite with the officers."
Authorities have not released her blood alcohol content.
Taurasi, a guard, scored 22 points and blocked four shots in Wednesday night's 93-81 win over the Storm.
She is the WNBA's leading fan vote-getter ahead of the league's July 25 All-Star game.
ABC15 News spoke with Phoenix Mercury General Manager Ann Meyers Drysdale Thursday night, who said the team will not release an official public statement until more information is released.
Drysdale did say that she expects Taurasi to play during Sunday's game versus the Sparks in Los Angeles.
Source
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Man found guilty of grisly DUI murder after drinking 12-pack
PHOENIX - A Sacaton man accused of getting behind the wheel and killing a bicyclist after drinking a 12-pack of beer has been found guilty of second degree murder and aggravated assault.
Prosecutors said Webster Norris, 44, hit and killed the 60-year-old Gilbert bicyclist on September 20, 2008.
Norris had apparently been drinking with a friend for most of the day, and was racing down a roadway on the Gila River Indian Reservation at 90 miles per hour right before the crash happened.
Witnesses testified that the victim was biking at "an appropriate location on the road" and the defendant had "ample room" to avoid the victim.
Evidence also showed Norris never slowed prior to hitting the victim or after hitting the victim.
The impact of the collision was so intense that the victim's left side was mangled, and left arm and hand amputated.
The victim's amputated arm and hand flew into the suspect car and into the back seat.
Norris wasn't located for 48 hours, and later claimed he had no memory of the previous 48 hours due to his extreme intoxication.
A conviction for Second Degree Murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
A conviction for Aggravated Assault carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
The victim had been cross-training in preparation for a marathon, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Source
Prosecutors said Webster Norris, 44, hit and killed the 60-year-old Gilbert bicyclist on September 20, 2008.
Norris had apparently been drinking with a friend for most of the day, and was racing down a roadway on the Gila River Indian Reservation at 90 miles per hour right before the crash happened.
Witnesses testified that the victim was biking at "an appropriate location on the road" and the defendant had "ample room" to avoid the victim.
Evidence also showed Norris never slowed prior to hitting the victim or after hitting the victim.
The impact of the collision was so intense that the victim's left side was mangled, and left arm and hand amputated.
The victim's amputated arm and hand flew into the suspect car and into the back seat.
Norris wasn't located for 48 hours, and later claimed he had no memory of the previous 48 hours due to his extreme intoxication.
A conviction for Second Degree Murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
A conviction for Aggravated Assault carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
The victim had been cross-training in preparation for a marathon, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Source
Monday, June 28, 2010
Narconon Arrowhead Provides Alcohol Rehab for Phoenix Residents
Between 2000 and 2005, there was a 50% increase in the percentage of people (aged 12 or older) reporting dependence on or abuse of alcohol – a problem that now affects one in ten Arizonans. This trend of youth starting to drink at a young age sets a pattern for the rest of their lives as shown in the 516 juveniles AND 34,859 adults arrested for DUI. If the adults had been given effective alcohol education in their youth this statistic could have been dramatically decreased. This is where Narconon Arrowhead is a leader. Not only does Narconon Arrowhead educate our youth about the dangers of alcohol but also provides rehabilitation services for alcohol and drug addiction with a 70% success rate for those already caught in the devastating downward spiral of either alcohol or drug addiction.
Phoenix’s youth need to be aware that alcohol lowers a person’s inhibitions and ability to make correct judgments along with the fact that motor skills in an individual decrease once one has consumed alcohol. The most common age group for driving after alcohol consumption are those aged 21-34. This shows a dire need for alcohol education for our youth to prevent them from drinking and/or getting behind the wheel if having been drinking.
There are many things parents can do to prevent their children from drinking. One example is to drill questions with your son or daughter that they are likely to be asked concerning alcohol or drugs until they are able to answer without hesitation and with confidence. Give your children an answer for a way out when offered a drink, i.e. I am trying out for the baseball/volleyball team and need to stay in shape. Establish a strong communication line with your children. Be the person they can come to with a problem rather than reacting and help them figure out a solution to that problem. You want to be open and honest when speaking with your children about alcohol addiction and communicate with them on a level which they can understand. Listen instead of judging. This is of the utmost importance because younger individuals who try alcohol are more likely to experiment with drugs.
Having Phoenix youth educated on the dangers and consequences of alcohol will allow them to achieve their goals and dreams. Narconon Arrowhead wants to make sure that Phoenix’s youth have every opportunity to prosper as they become young adults working in the community. This is why Narconon Arrowhead has our drug educational specialist travel to Phoenix and speak with the youth in Phoenix schools about the dangers and realities of alcohol abuse. The best defense against any addiction is knowledge.
Source
Phoenix’s youth need to be aware that alcohol lowers a person’s inhibitions and ability to make correct judgments along with the fact that motor skills in an individual decrease once one has consumed alcohol. The most common age group for driving after alcohol consumption are those aged 21-34. This shows a dire need for alcohol education for our youth to prevent them from drinking and/or getting behind the wheel if having been drinking.
There are many things parents can do to prevent their children from drinking. One example is to drill questions with your son or daughter that they are likely to be asked concerning alcohol or drugs until they are able to answer without hesitation and with confidence. Give your children an answer for a way out when offered a drink, i.e. I am trying out for the baseball/volleyball team and need to stay in shape. Establish a strong communication line with your children. Be the person they can come to with a problem rather than reacting and help them figure out a solution to that problem. You want to be open and honest when speaking with your children about alcohol addiction and communicate with them on a level which they can understand. Listen instead of judging. This is of the utmost importance because younger individuals who try alcohol are more likely to experiment with drugs.
Having Phoenix youth educated on the dangers and consequences of alcohol will allow them to achieve their goals and dreams. Narconon Arrowhead wants to make sure that Phoenix’s youth have every opportunity to prosper as they become young adults working in the community. This is why Narconon Arrowhead has our drug educational specialist travel to Phoenix and speak with the youth in Phoenix schools about the dangers and realities of alcohol abuse. The best defense against any addiction is knowledge.
Source
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Phoenix man gets 16-year sentence in fatal crash
PHOENIX (AP) - A man convicted of manslaughter in a DUI crash that killed a Phoenix police officer last October has been given a 16-year prison sentence.
Salvador Vivas-Diaz, a 50-year-old mechanic with a drunk-driving record, was sentenced Friday in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Authorities say 25-year-old Shane Figueroa was fatally wounded in south Phoenix on Oct. 25 when Vivas-Diaz crossed the center line of a road and smashed into the officer's patrol car as he was responding to a crime call.
Prosecutors say Vivas-Diaz was arrested twice before on DUI-related charges but never convicted.
When police arrested Vivas-Diaz, he reportedly presented fake identifications and refused to admit his real name.
Judge Michael Kemp issued the maximum allowable sentence of 16 years after considering aggravating factors such as Vivas-Diaz's 0.24% blood-alcohol content at the time of the wreck, a level three-times the 0.08% legal limit to operate a vehicle in Arizona.
Source
Salvador Vivas-Diaz, a 50-year-old mechanic with a drunk-driving record, was sentenced Friday in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Authorities say 25-year-old Shane Figueroa was fatally wounded in south Phoenix on Oct. 25 when Vivas-Diaz crossed the center line of a road and smashed into the officer's patrol car as he was responding to a crime call.
Prosecutors say Vivas-Diaz was arrested twice before on DUI-related charges but never convicted.
When police arrested Vivas-Diaz, he reportedly presented fake identifications and refused to admit his real name.
Judge Michael Kemp issued the maximum allowable sentence of 16 years after considering aggravating factors such as Vivas-Diaz's 0.24% blood-alcohol content at the time of the wreck, a level three-times the 0.08% legal limit to operate a vehicle in Arizona.
Source
Sunday, March 28, 2010
West Valley DUI Task Force makes record number of arrests
With the help of funding from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, Arizona law-enforcement officers arrested a record number of DUI suspects.
Behind the crackdown are myriad state DUI task forces, including the West Valley DUI Task Force, which coordinates special-night and weekend DUI suppression efforts to nail those who drink and get behind the wheel.
The Governor's Office supplied funding that allowed police departments to pay officers overtime for DUI patrol work.
In Glendale, the West Valley DUI Task Force brought in its fair share of suspects. Ninety-five drunken-driving arrests were made in the West Valley's largest city between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, when experts say revelers are more likely to hit the road.
Because people attend more holiday parties and events, travel and alcohol consumption tends to jump. In a typical year, more than 1,000 people nationwide die in drunken-driving crashes between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, according to Mother's Against Drunk Driving.
As a whole, the West Valley DUI Task Force netted 338 individuals on suspicion of drunken driving during the holiday period.
Enforcement events were held on New Year's Eve and the days following Christmas and Thanksgiving. As expected, the task force on Dec. 31 netted the most suspects, 56.
Although the holidays are over, the West Valley DUI Task Force warns drunken drivers that it's not slowing down.
The task force uses regular enforcement and checkpoints in which patrol officers descend on an area to find drivers who appear to be impaired. Saturation efforts often target heavily trafficked areas with restaurants and bars, such as Westgate City Center and Peoria's entertainment corridor along 83rd Avenue.
Other agencies that participate in the task force include Peoria, Buckeye, Surprise, El Mirage, Tolleson, Goodyear, Avondale and Phoenix with help from the Department of Public Safety.
Many of the West Valley agencies have leftover funds, which they plan to funnel into DUI enforcement throughout the coming months.
Most recently, Peoria accepted $52,000 in grants from the Governor's Office for DUI enforcement and speed-enforcement education.
Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, said the state has plans to increase its support for the West Valley DUI Task Force this year, providing overtime pay for Maricopa County Sheriff's Office corrections officers to help book and process suspects.
Source
Behind the crackdown are myriad state DUI task forces, including the West Valley DUI Task Force, which coordinates special-night and weekend DUI suppression efforts to nail those who drink and get behind the wheel.
The Governor's Office supplied funding that allowed police departments to pay officers overtime for DUI patrol work.
In Glendale, the West Valley DUI Task Force brought in its fair share of suspects. Ninety-five drunken-driving arrests were made in the West Valley's largest city between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, when experts say revelers are more likely to hit the road.
Because people attend more holiday parties and events, travel and alcohol consumption tends to jump. In a typical year, more than 1,000 people nationwide die in drunken-driving crashes between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, according to Mother's Against Drunk Driving.
As a whole, the West Valley DUI Task Force netted 338 individuals on suspicion of drunken driving during the holiday period.
Enforcement events were held on New Year's Eve and the days following Christmas and Thanksgiving. As expected, the task force on Dec. 31 netted the most suspects, 56.
Although the holidays are over, the West Valley DUI Task Force warns drunken drivers that it's not slowing down.
The task force uses regular enforcement and checkpoints in which patrol officers descend on an area to find drivers who appear to be impaired. Saturation efforts often target heavily trafficked areas with restaurants and bars, such as Westgate City Center and Peoria's entertainment corridor along 83rd Avenue.
Other agencies that participate in the task force include Peoria, Buckeye, Surprise, El Mirage, Tolleson, Goodyear, Avondale and Phoenix with help from the Department of Public Safety.
Many of the West Valley agencies have leftover funds, which they plan to funnel into DUI enforcement throughout the coming months.
Most recently, Peoria accepted $52,000 in grants from the Governor's Office for DUI enforcement and speed-enforcement education.
Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, said the state has plans to increase its support for the West Valley DUI Task Force this year, providing overtime pay for Maricopa County Sheriff's Office corrections officers to help book and process suspects.
Source
Monday, March 15, 2010
Pinal County, DUI Task Force receive highway grant
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and Pinal County Regional DUI Task Force have been awarded $103,220 to fund overtime for DUI enforcement and collision investigation training.
The Governor's Office of Highway Safety provided these funds to further support the continuance of the Pinal County Regional DUI Task Force and to help ensure those traveling the roadways of Pinal County are safer.
In addition to the overtime and enhanced training funding, GOHS awarded $27,500 to the Sheriff’s Office for the purchase of an additional motorcycle to support the growth of their motor unit whose purpose is public education and enforcement of traffic laws.
The Task Force, formed in March, has played an important role in removing many impaired drivers from Pinal County highways. Agencies participating in the Task Force include the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Casa Grande, Gila River, Apache Junction, Coolidge, Florence, Eloy, Ak-Chin and Maricopa Police Departments.
Since the Nov. 24 Pinal County Holiday DUI Task Force Kick Off, more than 160 people have been arrested for driving impaired. DUI Task Force saturation patrols will continue through the New Year weekend with a “zero tolerance" approach to impaired driving. Drivers found to be impaired by alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested and booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Facility in Florence, AZ. Additionally, officers will be enforcing the "zero tolerance" policy toward underage drinking.
National statistics reveal that between Thanksgiving and New Year's 38 percent of all deaths from auto accidents are alcohol-related.
In 2008, 849 people were killed in Arizona in fatal crashes. Of those killed, 294 involved drivers who had a blood-alcohol concentration over the .08 limit. This represents almost 34 percent and does not account for drivers impaired by drugs.
“It is important for us, as law enforcement partners, to work together to educate the public and take a 'zero tolerance' approach when dealing with impaired drivers,” said Sheriff Paul Babeu.
“Gone are the days in Pinal County when a drunk driver is allowed to park their car or get a ride home after being stopped. When we catch someone driving drunk or impaired by drugs; they will be cuffed and taken to jail.”
Source
The Governor's Office of Highway Safety provided these funds to further support the continuance of the Pinal County Regional DUI Task Force and to help ensure those traveling the roadways of Pinal County are safer.
In addition to the overtime and enhanced training funding, GOHS awarded $27,500 to the Sheriff’s Office for the purchase of an additional motorcycle to support the growth of their motor unit whose purpose is public education and enforcement of traffic laws.
The Task Force, formed in March, has played an important role in removing many impaired drivers from Pinal County highways. Agencies participating in the Task Force include the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Casa Grande, Gila River, Apache Junction, Coolidge, Florence, Eloy, Ak-Chin and Maricopa Police Departments.
Since the Nov. 24 Pinal County Holiday DUI Task Force Kick Off, more than 160 people have been arrested for driving impaired. DUI Task Force saturation patrols will continue through the New Year weekend with a “zero tolerance" approach to impaired driving. Drivers found to be impaired by alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested and booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Facility in Florence, AZ. Additionally, officers will be enforcing the "zero tolerance" policy toward underage drinking.
National statistics reveal that between Thanksgiving and New Year's 38 percent of all deaths from auto accidents are alcohol-related.
In 2008, 849 people were killed in Arizona in fatal crashes. Of those killed, 294 involved drivers who had a blood-alcohol concentration over the .08 limit. This represents almost 34 percent and does not account for drivers impaired by drugs.
“It is important for us, as law enforcement partners, to work together to educate the public and take a 'zero tolerance' approach when dealing with impaired drivers,” said Sheriff Paul Babeu.
“Gone are the days in Pinal County when a drunk driver is allowed to park their car or get a ride home after being stopped. When we catch someone driving drunk or impaired by drugs; they will be cuffed and taken to jail.”
Source
Sunday, February 28, 2010
DUI Task Force reports fewer arrests in 2009
While the number of DUI arrests in 2009 significantly increased in Arizona from the previous year, Graham County bucked the trend and had fewer DUI arrests over the New Year's holiday than last year.
The Eastern Arizona DUI Task Force conducted saturation patrols New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and reported a total of nine DUI arrests out of 131 stops, according to Thatcher Sgt. Scott Mulleneaux.
Last year, 15 arrests were made on 218 stops during three saturation patrols in December and early January. While the total number of arrests was higher in the 2008 deployments, the actual percentage of arrests to stops remained the same at about 7 percent for both years.
According to the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety, Arizona's 16 DUI task forces made more than 14,000 DUI arrests in 2009, including nearly 4,500 from Thanksgiving to New Year's.
That is an increase from the 2008 numbers of about 10,500 arrests, with about 2,700 from Thanksgiving to New Year's.
What has increased in Graham County for 2009 is the usage of designated drivers. This year, officers noted 20 designated drivers out of the 131 stops with 16 designated drivers utilized out of 59 stops New Year's Eve.
"The increased use of designated drivers was very impressive," Mulleneaux said. "Our goal is to get zero DUIs and have all designated drivers (for those who have been drinking alcohol)."
He said it is apparent that message has reached a significant portion of Graham County's residents, and he is grateful they have taken the advice to heart.
This year, officers from the Safford, Thatcher, Pima and Clifton police departments joined officers from the Department of Public Safety to conduct the patrols. The task force is funded from a grant from the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety.
Source
The Eastern Arizona DUI Task Force conducted saturation patrols New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and reported a total of nine DUI arrests out of 131 stops, according to Thatcher Sgt. Scott Mulleneaux.
Last year, 15 arrests were made on 218 stops during three saturation patrols in December and early January. While the total number of arrests was higher in the 2008 deployments, the actual percentage of arrests to stops remained the same at about 7 percent for both years.
According to the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety, Arizona's 16 DUI task forces made more than 14,000 DUI arrests in 2009, including nearly 4,500 from Thanksgiving to New Year's.
That is an increase from the 2008 numbers of about 10,500 arrests, with about 2,700 from Thanksgiving to New Year's.
What has increased in Graham County for 2009 is the usage of designated drivers. This year, officers noted 20 designated drivers out of the 131 stops with 16 designated drivers utilized out of 59 stops New Year's Eve.
"The increased use of designated drivers was very impressive," Mulleneaux said. "Our goal is to get zero DUIs and have all designated drivers (for those who have been drinking alcohol)."
He said it is apparent that message has reached a significant portion of Graham County's residents, and he is grateful they have taken the advice to heart.
This year, officers from the Safford, Thatcher, Pima and Clifton police departments joined officers from the Department of Public Safety to conduct the patrols. The task force is funded from a grant from the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety.
Source
Monday, February 15, 2010
Ariz. holiday period DUI arrests rise in 2009
Arizona’s 16 DUI task forces around the state made more than 14,000 driving-under-the-influence arrests in 2009 including nearly 4,500 from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.
Those figures are up from 2008 when the task forces made some 10,500 DUI arrests but only about 2,700 from the Thanksgiving-to-Jan. 1 holiday span.
Statistics released Jan. 1 by Gov. Jan Brewer’s office show that 960 DUI arrests for the holiday period were for extreme DUI with drivers having blood-alcohol levels of .15 or higher. That’s well above the 0.08 percent legal limit to operate a vehicle in Arizona.
The state tasks forces also report 194 DUI arrests for drivers under age 21 in the 2009 Thanksgiving-to-New Year’s period and 492 under-21 liquor law citations.
Source
Those figures are up from 2008 when the task forces made some 10,500 DUI arrests but only about 2,700 from the Thanksgiving-to-Jan. 1 holiday span.
Statistics released Jan. 1 by Gov. Jan Brewer’s office show that 960 DUI arrests for the holiday period were for extreme DUI with drivers having blood-alcohol levels of .15 or higher. That’s well above the 0.08 percent legal limit to operate a vehicle in Arizona.
The state tasks forces also report 194 DUI arrests for drivers under age 21 in the 2009 Thanksgiving-to-New Year’s period and 492 under-21 liquor law citations.
Source
Thursday, January 28, 2010
AZ DUI arrests increase
The number of D.U.I. arrests in Arizona were up in 2009 from 2008.
The state's 16 D.U.I. task forces made more than 14,000 D.U.I. arrests last year and about 5,000 of those arrests were just from Thanksgiving to New Year's alone.
Thats up from about 11,000 D.U.I. arrests made in 2008. Statistics released by the governor's office show 1,000 of those arrests were made for extreme D.U.I. where the drivers had blood-alcohol levels of .15 or higher.
Source
The state's 16 D.U.I. task forces made more than 14,000 D.U.I. arrests last year and about 5,000 of those arrests were just from Thanksgiving to New Year's alone.
Thats up from about 11,000 D.U.I. arrests made in 2008. Statistics released by the governor's office show 1,000 of those arrests were made for extreme D.U.I. where the drivers had blood-alcohol levels of .15 or higher.
Source
Monday, December 28, 2009
Police draw blood to stop DUI
Idaho police officers are trained to take blood directly from a suspected DUI offender at the scene of the arrest in an effort to crack down on drunk driving.
Officers in both Idaho and Texas recently received this training to draw blood to test for both alcohol and drugs in the system of an accused driver. The training is part of a federal program sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to determine if this can be used as a prosecution and prevention tool.
The NHTSA will test the results over a one to two year period, then they will perhaps encourage the training in other states or nationwide. The reason for the blood tests is the increase in breath test refusals among defendants.
Even in states with "implied consent" laws, many refuse breath tests on the field. Breath tests have also been notoriously inaccurate. Idaho saw as much as 20% refusal, and nationally about 22% of defendants refused breath tests.
Blood tests, on the other hand, are generally accurate in testing for both drugs and alcohol. Some states have issued legislation that allows for the drawing of blood by force if an accused driver is uncooperative. Idaho is one such state.
The Supreme Court ruled in 1966 that forced blood tests were constitutional given there was reasonable suspicion. The test, however, must be carried out in a medically-approved manner by a person who is trained in the practice. Officers often had to transport accused defendants to hospitals in order to accomplish this.
Arizona first implemented the training program to allow officers to draw blood in the field. Immediately, questions regarding the safety of this practice deterred many states from proceeding. Many claim officers do not receive the full training that nurses and other medical practitioners receive. The procedure is also carried out in an unsanitary environment.
Phoenix officers currently draw blood from 300 to 400 suspected individuals each month. According to sources, the Arizona refusal rate has dropped from around 20% to 8-9%. Arizona is considered to be one of the toughest states on DUI prosecution, and the ongoing practice of drawing blood on the field is just one technique Arizona uses that is being copied nationally.
Source
Officers in both Idaho and Texas recently received this training to draw blood to test for both alcohol and drugs in the system of an accused driver. The training is part of a federal program sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to determine if this can be used as a prosecution and prevention tool.
The NHTSA will test the results over a one to two year period, then they will perhaps encourage the training in other states or nationwide. The reason for the blood tests is the increase in breath test refusals among defendants.
Even in states with "implied consent" laws, many refuse breath tests on the field. Breath tests have also been notoriously inaccurate. Idaho saw as much as 20% refusal, and nationally about 22% of defendants refused breath tests.
Blood tests, on the other hand, are generally accurate in testing for both drugs and alcohol. Some states have issued legislation that allows for the drawing of blood by force if an accused driver is uncooperative. Idaho is one such state.
The Supreme Court ruled in 1966 that forced blood tests were constitutional given there was reasonable suspicion. The test, however, must be carried out in a medically-approved manner by a person who is trained in the practice. Officers often had to transport accused defendants to hospitals in order to accomplish this.
Arizona first implemented the training program to allow officers to draw blood in the field. Immediately, questions regarding the safety of this practice deterred many states from proceeding. Many claim officers do not receive the full training that nurses and other medical practitioners receive. The procedure is also carried out in an unsanitary environment.
Phoenix officers currently draw blood from 300 to 400 suspected individuals each month. According to sources, the Arizona refusal rate has dropped from around 20% to 8-9%. Arizona is considered to be one of the toughest states on DUI prosecution, and the ongoing practice of drawing blood on the field is just one technique Arizona uses that is being copied nationally.
Source
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Arizona DUI task force results in 546 arrests so far
PHOENIX – Police and DPS officers have arrested 546 people so far during the second week of the statewide Arizona Labor Day Task Force.
According to a news release provided by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, which is sponsoring the campaign, 72 of those arrests occurred Saturday night alone.
Twenty-five of those arrested Saturday night were cited for extreme DUI, which means they had an average blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or above. The legal limit in Arizona is .08.
Since the task force started last weekend, 191 people have been arrested for extreme DUI.
The average BAC since the beginning of the campaign is .160, twice the legal limit.
Nearly 2,100 people have been cited for other violations such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and improper lane change.
According to a news release provided by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, which is sponsoring the campaign, 72 of those arrests occurred Saturday night alone.
Twenty-five of those arrested Saturday night were cited for extreme DUI, which means they had an average blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or above. The legal limit in Arizona is .08.
Since the task force started last weekend, 191 people have been arrested for extreme DUI.
The average BAC since the beginning of the campaign is .160, twice the legal limit.
Nearly 2,100 people have been cited for other violations such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and improper lane change.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Bill's Daily Roundup: 21 DUIs, Planning & Zoning, Sundogs
The Arizona Sundogs have acquired two more players. The Central Hockey League team has announced they have added Thomas Roussel and Marek Jancek to their roster for the upcoming season. Roussel has skated in France his entire playing career. The 6 foot, 187 pound France native set career highs last season, including 3 goals, 11 assists and 99 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 6 games with Team France during the 2009 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships in Switzerland, tallying one assist and two penalty minutes in 6 contests. Jancek has played in Hungary and his native Slovakia. Last season the 6 foot 6, 216 pound defenseman tallied 3 goals, 1 assist and 103 penalty minutes in 26 games with Dijon of the French League.
Prescott National Forest officials have planned 2 slash pile burns. Fire managers plan to burn accumulated slash piles today through Friday, weather conditions permitting. The first location includes 100 acres of piles in Ponderosa Park, southwest of Prescott. The second location includes 3 slash piles in the town of Crown King at the gravel pit. Specific days to burn are determined by current and expected weather patterns. These piles will be monitored and allowed to completely burn themselves out. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding area.
Twenty-one DUI arrests have been made following saturation patrols and a checkpoint in the Verde Valley. According to the Cottonwood Police Department, the patrols ran from last Friday to Sunday. 57 officers participated and 818 contacts were made. Out of the DUI arrests made, 5 were extreme and 3 were aggravated. Three people were cited for underage DUI and 6 Drug Recognition Evaluations were completed. 116 other citations were issued as a result of the patrols.
Multi-agency coordination leads to the arrest of an alleged sex offender. On Labor Day, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported indecent exposure incident that occurred at the Boynton Canyon trailhead outside of Sedona.
Sheriff’s Office spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn says 2 sisters provided a detailed description of the suspect, including a vehicle description, license plate and last seen direction:Sheriff’s Office Communications personnel sent out an attempt to locate notice to area law enforcement agencies. Within 20 minutes, Sedona Police officers and US Forest Service Law Enforcement personnel stopped the suspect vehicle on Dry Creek Road and Highway 89A. The driver was identified as 30 year old Phoenix resident Joshua Boyd, who admitted inappropriate contact with the two victims. He has been arrested on 2 counts each of public sexual indecency and indecent exposure and DUI drugs.
The Prescott Planning and Zoning Commission meets at 9 tomorrow morning. The Commission will hold a public hearing on a request for a Special Use Permit, which is for modifications to an existing wireless communications site. According to Community Development Director Tom Guice, Verizon Wireless has submitted an application to reconstruct and modify the existing cell phone site on East Willis Street. The meeting will be held in Council chambers.
At 5:30 tonight, the City Open Space Acquisition Advisory Committee meets to hear an update from the Priority Matrix Working Group and for discussion on establishment of a Volunteer Open Space Management Working Group. That meeting will be held at the Grace Sparkes Memorial Activity Center on East Gurley Street.
Source
Prescott National Forest officials have planned 2 slash pile burns. Fire managers plan to burn accumulated slash piles today through Friday, weather conditions permitting. The first location includes 100 acres of piles in Ponderosa Park, southwest of Prescott. The second location includes 3 slash piles in the town of Crown King at the gravel pit. Specific days to burn are determined by current and expected weather patterns. These piles will be monitored and allowed to completely burn themselves out. Smoke may be visible in the surrounding area.
Twenty-one DUI arrests have been made following saturation patrols and a checkpoint in the Verde Valley. According to the Cottonwood Police Department, the patrols ran from last Friday to Sunday. 57 officers participated and 818 contacts were made. Out of the DUI arrests made, 5 were extreme and 3 were aggravated. Three people were cited for underage DUI and 6 Drug Recognition Evaluations were completed. 116 other citations were issued as a result of the patrols.
Multi-agency coordination leads to the arrest of an alleged sex offender. On Labor Day, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported indecent exposure incident that occurred at the Boynton Canyon trailhead outside of Sedona.
Sheriff’s Office spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn says 2 sisters provided a detailed description of the suspect, including a vehicle description, license plate and last seen direction:Sheriff’s Office Communications personnel sent out an attempt to locate notice to area law enforcement agencies. Within 20 minutes, Sedona Police officers and US Forest Service Law Enforcement personnel stopped the suspect vehicle on Dry Creek Road and Highway 89A. The driver was identified as 30 year old Phoenix resident Joshua Boyd, who admitted inappropriate contact with the two victims. He has been arrested on 2 counts each of public sexual indecency and indecent exposure and DUI drugs.
The Prescott Planning and Zoning Commission meets at 9 tomorrow morning. The Commission will hold a public hearing on a request for a Special Use Permit, which is for modifications to an existing wireless communications site. According to Community Development Director Tom Guice, Verizon Wireless has submitted an application to reconstruct and modify the existing cell phone site on East Willis Street. The meeting will be held in Council chambers.
At 5:30 tonight, the City Open Space Acquisition Advisory Committee meets to hear an update from the Priority Matrix Working Group and for discussion on establishment of a Volunteer Open Space Management Working Group. That meeting will be held at the Grace Sparkes Memorial Activity Center on East Gurley Street.
Source
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Cardinals game sees typical 38 arrests
There were 38 arrests at the University of Phoenix Stadium and its surrounding area Sunday during the Arizona Cardinals season opener.
Glendale police spokeswoman Karen Gerardo said the charges included illegal ticket scalping, assaults, liquor and alcohol violations, disorderly conducts and one DUI.
She said that number is typical for a Cardinals game day.
The Cards lost the season opener to San Francisco 20 to 16. They play the Jacksonville Jaguars in Florida next weekend.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Former Deputy County Attorney arrested for smuggling drugs to prisoner
Former Graham County Deputy County Attorney David Paul De Costa, 42, of Tempe was arrested after police say he transferred drugs to a prisoner.
De Costa is accused of giving heroin and crystal methamphetamine to his client during a court hearing on Friday morning, according to Phoenix Police spokesperson Sgt. Trent Crump. De Costa allegedly admitted to receiving sexual favors for the transfer two days before he smuggled the drugs.
During a press conference Monday, Crump told reporters police learned about De Costa's dealings while conducting a separate investigation.
Former Deputy County Attorney Paul David De Costa was arrested in Phoenix on Friday for allegedly smuggling drugs to his client during a court hearing.
"During another investigation that we were conducting, information came across that an individual could get narcotics to a prisoner through the courtroom proceeding," Crump said.
According to court documents, De Costa's inmate client is a member of the Mexican Mafia prison gang. The inmate's girlfriend, Emily Keen, 19, allegedly arranged for the drug transfers. Investigators searched Keen's residence and confiscated more drugs and cash, according to Sgt. Crump.
De Costa and Keen were both booked into the Maricopa County Jail on suspicion of transferring and selling drugs, participating in a criminal syndicate and conspiracy to promote prison contraband in detention facilities. De Costa's bond was placed at $100,000.
De Costa graduated from Arizona State University, summa cum laude, with a bachelor's of science in justice studies, and received his Juris Doctor Degree from Arizona State University College of Law. Prior to attending ASU, he was a six-year veteran of the United States Army and saw active duty as an Airborne Combat Engineer Squad Leader.
After leaving his position as a deputy county Attorney for Graham County, De Costa worked in the DUI and criminal defense divisions of the Phoenix law firm of Phillips and Associates before entering into private solo practice.
He was previously cited and put on attorney's probation for an infraction in 2006. While on attorney's probation, an attorney may still practice law but the state monitors the attorney's activities for a period of time in hopes the attorney does not repeat the behavior.
Graham County Attorney Kenny Angle has not returned the Courier's phone calls regarding his former employee's arrest.
Source
De Costa is accused of giving heroin and crystal methamphetamine to his client during a court hearing on Friday morning, according to Phoenix Police spokesperson Sgt. Trent Crump. De Costa allegedly admitted to receiving sexual favors for the transfer two days before he smuggled the drugs.
During a press conference Monday, Crump told reporters police learned about De Costa's dealings while conducting a separate investigation.
Former Deputy County Attorney Paul David De Costa was arrested in Phoenix on Friday for allegedly smuggling drugs to his client during a court hearing.
"During another investigation that we were conducting, information came across that an individual could get narcotics to a prisoner through the courtroom proceeding," Crump said.
According to court documents, De Costa's inmate client is a member of the Mexican Mafia prison gang. The inmate's girlfriend, Emily Keen, 19, allegedly arranged for the drug transfers. Investigators searched Keen's residence and confiscated more drugs and cash, according to Sgt. Crump.
De Costa and Keen were both booked into the Maricopa County Jail on suspicion of transferring and selling drugs, participating in a criminal syndicate and conspiracy to promote prison contraband in detention facilities. De Costa's bond was placed at $100,000.
De Costa graduated from Arizona State University, summa cum laude, with a bachelor's of science in justice studies, and received his Juris Doctor Degree from Arizona State University College of Law. Prior to attending ASU, he was a six-year veteran of the United States Army and saw active duty as an Airborne Combat Engineer Squad Leader.
After leaving his position as a deputy county Attorney for Graham County, De Costa worked in the DUI and criminal defense divisions of the Phoenix law firm of Phillips and Associates before entering into private solo practice.
He was previously cited and put on attorney's probation for an infraction in 2006. While on attorney's probation, an attorney may still practice law but the state monitors the attorney's activities for a period of time in hopes the attorney does not repeat the behavior.
Graham County Attorney Kenny Angle has not returned the Courier's phone calls regarding his former employee's arrest.
Source
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Man on lam for years turns life around
A Jacksonville man on the lam in Arizona for nearly five years has been re-sentenced to jail for violating his probation on 2002 felony driving offenses.
Johnney Williams, 45, turned his life around in the years he was absent, according to court testimony at his sentencing hearing Tuesday in Morgan Circuit Court.
A warrant was issued for his arrest in April 2004 after he failed to appear at a hearing on a petition to revoke his probation on felony offenses of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving while his license was revoked.
The charges were filed as felonies because he previously was twice convicted for DUI and once for driving with a revoked license. He was accused of testing positive multiple times for cocaine use, failing to complete substance abuse treatment, and owing $1,317 in fines and fees.
Williams left the state and went to work for his brother’s company in Phoenix, according to his attorney, Michael A. Hankins.
“Things were not going well for him here employment-wise,” Hankins said. “He was still running in the same circles and still caught up in doing what he shouldn’t have been doing and he left without the court giving him its blessing.”
Williams ended up making the positive changes he should have made while on probation here, his attorney said.
“By getting involved in his brother’s company, he turned his life around, joined a church out there and he had very glowing letters from the pastor of that church as well as detectives in the Phoenix Police Department who are friends and go to church with him,” Hankins said.
When Williams returned to Jacksonville to care for his ailing mother, he found there was a warrant for his arrest and turned himself in January, Hankins said.
He admitted in June that he violated his probation and was re-sentenced Tuesday to 60 days in jail and placed on one year conditional discharge. He begins serving the jail sentence Friday.
State’s Attorney Chris Reif agreed Williams “changed his life around substantially from the life he was leading here at the time he received these charges and convictions.” He didn’t think Williams should go unpunished for being on the lam all those years, though.
“Even though sometimes people leave the state and get their lives back together, we can’t reward individuals who are told they can’t leave the state,” Reif said. “You have certain conditions to fulfill here. If you don’t, you’re going to face the consequences of your original sentence.”
Williams’ good conduct during that time helped him avoid prison time. The prosecutor recommended the 60-day jail term imposed by Judge Richard Mitchell.
“But for those changes, I am confident Mr. Williams would be on his way to the DOC for three years right now,” Hankins said.
Source
Johnney Williams, 45, turned his life around in the years he was absent, according to court testimony at his sentencing hearing Tuesday in Morgan Circuit Court.
A warrant was issued for his arrest in April 2004 after he failed to appear at a hearing on a petition to revoke his probation on felony offenses of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving while his license was revoked.
The charges were filed as felonies because he previously was twice convicted for DUI and once for driving with a revoked license. He was accused of testing positive multiple times for cocaine use, failing to complete substance abuse treatment, and owing $1,317 in fines and fees.
Williams left the state and went to work for his brother’s company in Phoenix, according to his attorney, Michael A. Hankins.
“Things were not going well for him here employment-wise,” Hankins said. “He was still running in the same circles and still caught up in doing what he shouldn’t have been doing and he left without the court giving him its blessing.”
Williams ended up making the positive changes he should have made while on probation here, his attorney said.
“By getting involved in his brother’s company, he turned his life around, joined a church out there and he had very glowing letters from the pastor of that church as well as detectives in the Phoenix Police Department who are friends and go to church with him,” Hankins said.
When Williams returned to Jacksonville to care for his ailing mother, he found there was a warrant for his arrest and turned himself in January, Hankins said.
He admitted in June that he violated his probation and was re-sentenced Tuesday to 60 days in jail and placed on one year conditional discharge. He begins serving the jail sentence Friday.
State’s Attorney Chris Reif agreed Williams “changed his life around substantially from the life he was leading here at the time he received these charges and convictions.” He didn’t think Williams should go unpunished for being on the lam all those years, though.
“Even though sometimes people leave the state and get their lives back together, we can’t reward individuals who are told they can’t leave the state,” Reif said. “You have certain conditions to fulfill here. If you don’t, you’re going to face the consequences of your original sentence.”
Williams’ good conduct during that time helped him avoid prison time. The prosecutor recommended the 60-day jail term imposed by Judge Richard Mitchell.
“But for those changes, I am confident Mr. Williams would be on his way to the DOC for three years right now,” Hankins said.
Source
Monday, September 28, 2009
DUI arrest in Prescott collision that hurt 8
A 38-year-old Chino Valley man was arrested after a head-on collision on U.S. 89 in Prescott that sent him and seven other people to the hospital Sunday night, authorities said.
Police allege that Christopher L. Everidge was under the influence of drugs when his Kia Sportage drifted into oncoming traffic and collided with a Chevrolet Suburban with seven people on board, six of them children.
Everidge's vehicle rolled; the driver of the SUV tried to take evasive action but couldn't avoid the crash, which occurred about half a mile south of Arizona 89A, authorities said.
The driver of the Suburban, along with six other passengers in the vehicle, were all taken to Yavapai Regional Medical Center, according to the statement. The passengers ranged in age from 5 to 14.
One of the six children, who suffered serious facial injuries, was then flown to Flagstaff Medical Center. Another was taken to Phoenix Children's Hospital for a fractured pelvis and internal bleeding, the statement said.
Everidge was treated at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, then later arrested and booked on suspicion of possession and use of drugs. He was also booked on felony charges of criminal damage and seven counts of aggravated assault and endangerment, a statement by Prescott police said.
Source
Police allege that Christopher L. Everidge was under the influence of drugs when his Kia Sportage drifted into oncoming traffic and collided with a Chevrolet Suburban with seven people on board, six of them children.
Everidge's vehicle rolled; the driver of the SUV tried to take evasive action but couldn't avoid the crash, which occurred about half a mile south of Arizona 89A, authorities said.
The driver of the Suburban, along with six other passengers in the vehicle, were all taken to Yavapai Regional Medical Center, according to the statement. The passengers ranged in age from 5 to 14.
One of the six children, who suffered serious facial injuries, was then flown to Flagstaff Medical Center. Another was taken to Phoenix Children's Hospital for a fractured pelvis and internal bleeding, the statement said.
Everidge was treated at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, then later arrested and booked on suspicion of possession and use of drugs. He was also booked on felony charges of criminal damage and seven counts of aggravated assault and endangerment, a statement by Prescott police said.
Source
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Phoenix Mercury suspend Diana Taurasi after DUI arrest
PHOENIX - The Phoenix Mercury have suspended guard Diana Taurasi for two games without pay after she was cited on drunk-driving related charges.
In a release Thursday, the team said Taurasi was suspended "for conduct detrimental to the team." Taurasi will miss Saturday's game against Detroit and next Wednesday's game against Minnesota.
"I am deeply sorry and embarrassed for causing this distraction for my teammates, the Phoenix Mercury, the WNBA, family and fans," Taurasi said in a statement. "While I cannot say more with regards to the specifics of the case, I do want to make sure that everyone knows how much I appreciate their support and that I've learned a valuable lesson. I am committed to making sure a lot of good comes from this experience."
Taurasi faces three drunk-driving related charges, including extreme DUI, for a July 2 incident in which she also was cited for speeding. The 27-year-old guard was cited hours after she scored 22 points in the Mercury's 93-81 victory over the Seattle Storm.
A Phoenix police report released Tuesday shows Taurasi's blood-alcohol level was 0.17 percent, more than twice the Arizona legal limit of 0.08 percent.
Taurasi pleaded not guilty to the DUI charges and not responsible to the speeding citation.
Source
In a release Thursday, the team said Taurasi was suspended "for conduct detrimental to the team." Taurasi will miss Saturday's game against Detroit and next Wednesday's game against Minnesota.
"I am deeply sorry and embarrassed for causing this distraction for my teammates, the Phoenix Mercury, the WNBA, family and fans," Taurasi said in a statement. "While I cannot say more with regards to the specifics of the case, I do want to make sure that everyone knows how much I appreciate their support and that I've learned a valuable lesson. I am committed to making sure a lot of good comes from this experience."
Taurasi faces three drunk-driving related charges, including extreme DUI, for a July 2 incident in which she also was cited for speeding. The 27-year-old guard was cited hours after she scored 22 points in the Mercury's 93-81 victory over the Seattle Storm.
A Phoenix police report released Tuesday shows Taurasi's blood-alcohol level was 0.17 percent, more than twice the Arizona legal limit of 0.08 percent.
Taurasi pleaded not guilty to the DUI charges and not responsible to the speeding citation.
Source
Friday, August 28, 2009
Pinetop-Lakeside Police Report
Police responded to a two-vehicle accident on State Route 260. Police said a vehicle driving on the highway stopped near El Cupido's to allow a vehicle to enter the highway. At this time, a vehicle driven by Andrew Dipietro, 23, of Phoenix reportedly rear-ended the stopped vehicle. Dipietro was cited for failure to control speed to avoid an accident and no Arizona driver's license. The driver of the other vehicle, Julio Cesar Segoviano-Garcia, 31, of Lakeside, was reportedly found to have a valid warrant for his arrest for forgery out of Navajo County with a $5,000 bond. He was arrested and transported to the county jail in Holbrook.
- An officer stopped a car for reportedly traveling too fast on SR 260. The officer ran status checks on the occupants and found the passenger, Mark Anthony Madrid, 28, of Pinetop-Lakeside had a warrant for child support out of Pinal County with a $2,000 bond. He was arrested and transported to Holbrook.
- Officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Rose Marie Drive in Pinetop in reference to a physical disturbance. A couple was reportedly having an argument, during which police say the man hit the woman. Mark Haro, 54, of Pinetop was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and assault involving domestic violence. Maria Haro, 51, of Pinetop was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct involving domestic violence. Both were transported to Holbrook.
- Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation at the intersection of White Mountain Boulevard and Stephens Drive in Pinetop. Police contacted the driver, a 16-year-old McNary boy, who reportedly told police he had taken the car without his mom's permission. Police cited him for no mandatory insurance, no license, no registration and false information to police. Police ran a check on the vehicle's occupants. They found Heidi Quesada, 35, of McNary to have a warrant out of Pinetop Justice Court for obstructing a court order with a $476 bond and arrested her. Another occupant, Bobby Quintero Jr.,, 38, of McNary, reportedly had an odor of marijuana emanating from his person. He reportedly denied having drugs and consented to a search of his person. Police reportedly found a tin with marijuana in his back pocket. He was cited and released for marijuana possession.
Source
- An officer stopped a car for reportedly traveling too fast on SR 260. The officer ran status checks on the occupants and found the passenger, Mark Anthony Madrid, 28, of Pinetop-Lakeside had a warrant for child support out of Pinal County with a $2,000 bond. He was arrested and transported to Holbrook.
- Officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Rose Marie Drive in Pinetop in reference to a physical disturbance. A couple was reportedly having an argument, during which police say the man hit the woman. Mark Haro, 54, of Pinetop was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and assault involving domestic violence. Maria Haro, 51, of Pinetop was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct involving domestic violence. Both were transported to Holbrook.
- Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation at the intersection of White Mountain Boulevard and Stephens Drive in Pinetop. Police contacted the driver, a 16-year-old McNary boy, who reportedly told police he had taken the car without his mom's permission. Police cited him for no mandatory insurance, no license, no registration and false information to police. Police ran a check on the vehicle's occupants. They found Heidi Quesada, 35, of McNary to have a warrant out of Pinetop Justice Court for obstructing a court order with a $476 bond and arrested her. Another occupant, Bobby Quintero Jr.,, 38, of McNary, reportedly had an odor of marijuana emanating from his person. He reportedly denied having drugs and consented to a search of his person. Police reportedly found a tin with marijuana in his back pocket. He was cited and released for marijuana possession.
Source
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