Photo: Lower Wolf Creek Campground, Prescott National Forest
Man Pulls a Knife Over $10
In the late hours of Saturday evening, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a man that he had just been robbed at knifepoint by 58-year-old Hector Carattini from Boise, Idaho. The victim told deputies he and the suspect had a dispute over $10 that the victim gave the suspect to give him a ride. When the victim changed his mind and asked for the money back, the suspect grabbed a knife and threatened the victim. The victim left the scene unharmed and was able to give deputies a detailed description of the suspect’s vehicle.
When a YCSO Deputy located the vehicle, the suspect fled initiating a pursuit that spanned from HWY 89/HWY 89A to Larry Caldwell Drive before coming to a complete stop. Deputies found the knife described by the victim as well as illegal narcotics.
Carattini was arrested and booked on charges of Threatening or Intimidating, Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Disorderly Conduct, Misconduct Involving Weapons, Theft, Armed Robbery, Unlawful Flight from Pursuing Law Enforcement, Possession of Prescription Only Drugs.
Deceased Man Found in Campground
Monday afternoon, a YCSO patrol responded to the area of Wolf Creek Road and FR74 in reference to a report of an unknown female voice possibly yelling for help somewhere in the area. While deputies were enroute, the 911 caller, trying to locate the possible call for help, located a camp site at the intersection with an unresponsive 60-year-old male lying on the ground next to a vehicle, who was ultimately confirmed deceased. The initial investigation revealed no apparent trauma to the deceased male, who appeared to have passed away within the prior several hours.
While deputies were checking the area, they found a campsite with two females and 3 children. They did not hear any yelling, and it is believed that the yelling may have come from them as noise travels well in the canyon and no other camps were around. Authorities are working to notify the deceased man’s next of kin.
Deputies Find Missing Boy Looking for “Friends”
Yesterday afternoon, deputies responded to a residence in Mayer referencing a 10-year-old boy who walked away from his home while being babysat by his elderly grandmother. After approximately 30 minutes of the child not returning from an errand just outside the home, the grandmother reported him missing.
Deputies searched for two hours, canvasing the neighborhood, when a neighbor called in saying the child had seen the deputies’ vehicles, hopped a fence, and was hiding in a culvert nearby. Deputies on scene said it took a little bit of convincing, but the child finally came out and was taken home. Deputies explained the dangers of wandering the area searching for “friends,” as there aren’t many kids in the neighborhood. YCSO wants to thank the Mayer Fire Department for their assistance in the initial search.
Charges upgraded to Homicide After Shooting Victim Dies
YCSO reported last week that Frank Ross had been arrested on attempted homicide charges for shooting a man during a dispute in Seligman. The victim had been flown to the hospital for surgery on the gunshot wounds but passed away a few days later. The charge against Frank Ross has been changed to homicide.
