15-year-old Seriously Injured in Rollover Accident
YCSO deputies were dispatched to the scene of a rollover accident on Copper Basin Road south of Prescott about 2am on December 26th. Five teens aged 15 to 17 were in a car that may have been speeding and failed to negotiate a turn. The vehicle hit an embankment and rolled onto the driver’s side.
Four of the teens were uninjured, but a 15 year old girl, the only one not wearing a seat belt, suffered serious head injuries when she was thrown from the backseat into the windshield. She was airlifted to a Phoenix hospital and is listed in critical condition in ICU. YCSO extends our utmost hope and prayers for the young lady’s full recovery.
Driver impairment did not appear to be a factor at the scene, however investigation into the accident continues.
Man Stabbed by 75-year-old Woman
On Christmas night, deputies were called to the scene of a reported stabbing in the Verde Valley. A 70-year-old man was stabbed in the stomach during a dispute at his home. The victim was airlifted to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery. He is expected to survive.
YCSO arrested 75-year-old Elizabeth Barreras of Rimrock on four felony counts including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and booked her into the Verde Valley Jail.
YCSO Assists Disoriented Woman in the Forest
On Christmas day, YCSO Forest Patrol units were called to a remote location in southeast Yavapai County, where a 62-year-old Glendale woman had driven well off Bloody Basin Road and at first glance appeared to have her vehicle stuck. Deputies arrived on scene and became concerned after speaking with the woman, whose car was not stuck, when she left the vehicle on foot in a t-shirt, shorts, and no shoes in the frigid temperatures. Forest Patrol deputies were able to retrieve the woman, spearheading efforts to get her medical attention.
The extreme remote area posed logistical difficulties with lack of communication and a suitable landing zone for a medical helicopter; however, Forest Patrol deputies were able to get a DPS helicopter to use a hoist to airlift her out of the area to a Phoenix hospital.
Welfare Check Leads YCSO to Elderly Man in Distress
Also on Christmas, YCSO received a call from family members to check on an elderly resident in Williamson Valley. When deputies reached the home there was no response at the door, but concern for the resident prompted a deputy to search from outside of the home. He was able to see through a window, and the 86-year-old man was lying on the bathroom floor in apparent distress. After gaining access to the home, the deputy found that the man was conscious and breathing and arranged for him to be transported to a Prescott hospital. It is believed that the man had fallen two days earlier and was unable to get up and call for help.
PANT Arrests Alleged Drug Dealer After Investigation
A Mayer resident suspected of selling methamphetamine was arrested Dec 20th by Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking (PANT) detectives on several felony counts. Following an investigation, PANT detectives executed a search warrant for an RV on property on Paloma Trail and took into custody 43-year-old Richard Coulter, who was living in the vehicle. Detectives said inside they found several syringes loaded with methamphetamine and more of the drug in a quart-size plastic bag. They also found two digital scales with meth residue, and two firearms. Coulter was jailed on felony charges of Possession of a Dangerous Drug for sale, Possession or Use of a Dangerous Drug, Possession or Use of Drug paraphernalia, and Use or Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony.