THE WORLD IS BEAUTIFUL

by **Paul** Fri 29 Dec 2023, 3:27 pm

Body of man pulled from drainage well in Phoenix

2,222 views Dec 23, 2023

2,222 views • Dec 23, 2023
The man was found dead in an irrigation well near 7th Street and Northern Avenue in Phoenix. Here are the latest details.

by **Paul** Fri 29 Dec 2023, 3:29 pm

3,212 views Dec 21, 2023
A Phoenix police officer with a prisoner in their vehicle was involved in traffic collision, which left the driver of the second vehicle dead, officials say.

by **Paul** Sat 30 Dec 2023, 5:36 pm

by **Paul** Wed 03 Jan 2024, 9:46 am

SEE VIDEO

The port of entry will resume normal operations at 6 a.m. on Thursday.

LUKEVILLE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — The Lukeville Port of Entry is set to reopen this week, one month after shutting down amid a migrant surge at the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection made the announcement late Tuesday afternoon, saying the border crossing will resume normal operations at 6 a.m. MST on Thursday.
“CBP will continue to prioritize our border security mission as necessary in response to this evolving situation,” the agency said in a news release. “We continue to assess security situations, adjust our operational plans, and deploy resources to maximize enforcement efforts against those noncitizens who do not use lawful pathways or processes – such as scheduling an appointment via CBP One – and those without a legal basis to remain in the United States.”
Operations will also resume at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Morely Gate border crossing in Nogales.
“During one of the busiest months for cross-border commerce and tourism, our understaffed and under-resourced Border Patrol was forced to close a vital port of entry. Border communities can’t keep paying the price for the federal government’s failure,” Reg. Greg Stanton said in the statement. “Congress must come together to pass emergency supplemental funds to hire more officers and surge resources to secure our border.”
The closure officially went into effect on Monday, Dec. 4, affecting both vehicle and pedestrian crossings. Federal officials said at the time that the suspension was necessary so personnel could be directed to assist the U.S. Border Patrol with taking migrants into custody.
The month-long closure has impacted travel for Arizonans who visit Rocky Point, adding hours to their trips by diverting them to other crossings at San Luis or Nogales. It’s also impacted businesses on both sides of the border and in some cases, the economy of an entire community.
In addition to Lukeville and Nogales, CBP said operations will also resume at Eagle Pass International Bridge 1 in Eagle Pass, Tex. and San Ysidro’s Pedestrian West in San Diego, Calif. Check port of entry wait times here.

by **Paul** Wed 10 Jan 2024, 11:35 am

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 QMWX6BVB7JELRDQN3YZELMPAWI

18-year-old Christopher Fantastic is facing assault and robbery charges.(MCSO)
Court records confirmed that 18-year-old Christopher Fantastic faces felony assault and misdemeanor robbery charges related to an assault on a minor in August outside a Gilbert In-N-Out restaurant.
Fantastic is the first known arrest related to the string of teen-linked violence that has shaken the town of Gilbert and Queen Creek. During his initial court appearance, state prosecutors argued that he is tied to similar incidents. The judge noted, however, that she didn’t have enough information, based on arresting documents, about Fantastic being linked to a “gang of kids.” Specific details about the attack are unknown since prosecutors asked for documents to remain sealed.
The news comes one day after the town approved a subcommittee on teen violence and on the heels of authorities working to determine whether an infamous group referred to as the “Gilbert Goons” can be legally classified as a criminal street gang, based on state law. It’s unclear clear if Fantastic or other teens are associated with the group.
Authorities in Gilbert confirmed that nine active investigations involving teen violence with possible links tied to the “Gilbert Goons.” At this time, there is no confirmed link between the “Goons” and the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord, who died after being brutally beaten up at Halloween house party. Queen Creek police announced late last month that charges had been submitted to Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges would be formally filed. County Attorney Rachel Rachel Mitchell is expected to host a regularly scheduled news conference at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Fantastic’s bail has been set at $25,000.

[size=15][size=15]Briana Whitney
[/size]

·
Jan 10, 2024
@BrianaWhitney
·
Follow

GILBERT TEEN VIOLENCE ARREST: 18-yr-old Christopher Fantastic has been arrested for assault & robbery. This is his new mugshot.

This is for an assault on a minor in August at the In-N-Out, which is one of the cases Gilbert PD has been investigating. His bail is set at $25,000.

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 GDf8MG_bMAAYaal?format=jpg&name=small

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 GDf8MG_bMAAYaal?format=jpg&name=small

[/size]

[size=15][size=15]Briana Whitney
[/size]

[size=15]@BrianaWhitney[/size]

·
Follow[/size]
[size=20]During Fantastic’s court appearance, the state argues he’s linked to several teen violence incidents with a “group the defendant belongs to.”

The judge says in this specific incident she doesn’t have enough information to link him to the “gang of kids” based on information from… Show more[/size]
[size=15]11:10 AM · Jan 10, 2024 from Phoenix, AZ[/size]

by **Paul** Fri 12 Jan 2024, 11:23 am

SEE VIDEO

By Peter Valencia
Published: Jan. 8, 2024 at 11:27 AM MST|Updated: Jan. 8, 2024 at 1:11 PM MST

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — A Phoenix woman has been arrested months after her infant and 17-month-old toddler were left alone for more than a day while she went out for a sexual encounter and out to the nightclub, court documents say. Sara Lashae Harris, 24, was arrested on Friday on accusations of second-degree murder and child abuse charges from an incident in July.

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 OALWLIZZ7VAKNB23QRS2JG5EEQ

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 OALWLIZZ7VAKNB23QRS2JG5EEQ

24-year-old Sara Harris is now facing a second-degree murder charge.(MCSO)
In arresting documents, police responded to a home near 19th Avenue and Mountain View Road around 9:40 a.m. on July 30, 2023, after a one-month-old infant was reportedly found not breathing. Fire personnel arrived and found the child lying on a mattress in the living room, unresponsive. The infant was then pronounced dead four minutes later.
At the scene, Harris reportedly told investigators that her baby had been “fussy” the night before and that she had given the baby food and ibuprofen until she laid them down to sleep. Harris told officers that she woke up the following day, left for a few minutes, and then asked for help to get back inside because she didn’t have her keys. Once back inside, Harris noticed a blanket over her child’s face and was unresponsive. At that point, she called her parents, who then called the police, court papers revealed.
After reviewing security camera footage, investigators quickly learned the story didn’t add up. Harris told police she went to the corner market and returned an hour later, but the video didn’t corroborate that story either.
As detectives continued combing through the home and looking over the apartment, one noticed that the infant was lying on her back and that her skull was sunken in from being on a body pillow. The toddler’s body was also much colder than the temperature of the apartment, leading investigators to believe the child had been dead for a much longer period of time, court documents said. While at the home, authorities found children’s NyQuil, a shopping bag, and a baby bottle filled with milk with a “pinkish hue” and “red liquid in the nipple of the bottle,” which appeared to be the medication.
Ultimately, arresting documents allege that surveillance footage showed Harris leaving the apartment Friday night before returning that Sunday morning. A search warrant of her cell phone also revealed that Harris was offered money for a sexual encounter during that time, later admitting to detectives that she had given the children NyQuil and melatonin before leaving them alone for 37 hours. After her arrest, she admitted to doing drugs and drinking alcohol while she was away, but said that she became upset after realizing she had left her kids alone for “such a long period of time.”
Documents indicate the child died due to causes including chlorpheniramine intoxication, which is an ingredient in Children’s Tylenol and NyQuil. It’s unclear if the 17-month-old girl required medical attention.

by **Paul** Fri 12 Jan 2024, 11:26 am

SEE VIDEO

By AZFamily Digital News Staff
Published: Jan. 8, 2024 at 7:03 AM MST|Updated: Jan. 8, 2024 at 8:22 AM MST

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- Phoenix Police say one person is dead and another person is fighting for their life after a shooting late Sunday night.

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 FCWSZ5YSYFFQJNVQLSZIG2XCAI

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 FCWSZ5YSYFFQJNVQLSZIG2XCAI

A heavy police presence remained several hours after the initial 911 call.(Arizona's Family)
Officers were called out to a neighborhood near 31st Avenue and Bell Road around 11 p.m. on reports of a possible burglary. When they arrived, they found a two people who had been shot. One victim was pronounced dead on scene while the other was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Details surrounding what led up to the shooting have not yet been released but authorities confirmed that a suspect has not yet been taken into custody.
A heavy police presence is expected to remain in the area throughout the morning as detectives work to determine a possible motive. No other information has been released.

by **Paul** Fri 12 Jan 2024, 11:29 am

SEE VIDEO

By Kit Silavong
Published: Jan. 7, 2024 at 8:47 AM MST|Updated: Jan. 7, 2024 at 9:36 AM MST

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — A person is dead, and two others are hurt after an alleged drive-by shooting in west Phoenix early Sunday morning.
Maricopa County sheriff’s deputies were called around 2:15 a.m. to a home near 75th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. Deputies arriving at the house found a person in the front yard who had been shot and later died. Deputies also found two other people shot, but their injuries were non-life-threatening.
Deputies said they learned a vehicle drove by the house and started shooting at a group of people at the house party. MCSO detectives are investigating what led up to the shooting, as well as working to find the suspect or suspects.
Arizona’s Family will update the story as soon as we learn more.

by **Paul** Sun 14 Jan 2024, 9:17 am

4,411 views Jan 13, 2024

4,411 views • Jan 13, 2024
The shooting happened early Saturday morning at a McDonald's in Mesa. Watch the video above for the latest details on what led up to the shooting.

by **Paul** Sun 14 Jan 2024, 9:19 am

4,836 views Jan 11, 2024
Preliminary information suggests the man was walking in a park with another person when the tree fell on top of him.

by **Paul** Sun 14 Jan 2024, 5:47 pm

SEE VIDEO

By AZFamily Digital News Staff
Published: Jan. 14, 2024 at 2:17 PM MST|Updated: 3 hours ago

ELOY, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — Four people died early Sunday morning, and one person is in critical condition after a tragic hot-air balloon crash just north of Eloy. The Eloy Police Department said in a Facebook post that the crash happened around 7:50 a.m. near Sunshine Boulevard and Hanna Road.
What led to the crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and FAA. The NTSB says that the crash involved a Cameron Balloons A160 hot air balloon, which hit the desert terrain after a problem with the aircraft’s envelope or balloon.
The Eloy Police Department is also conducting an investigation into the hot air balloon crash. They said that the aircraft had lifted off with eight skydivers and five people on board who were not skydiving. Police say all skydivers jumped from the balloon and completed their planned skydiving event when, shortly after, something went wrong. “Shortly thereafter, something catastrophic occurred with the balloon, causing it to crash to the ground,” said Eloy Police Chief Byron Gwaltney.
Eloy police say firefighters pulled the victims out of the crash. One person died at the scene, while 4 others were rushed to a hospital. Authorities say three people later died, and another is in critical condition at a Phoenix-area trauma center. Police said all of the victims are adults but have not released their names as next of kin needs to be notified and added that not all of the victims are local to Arizona.
Police say they do not know the intended flight plan of the hot air balloon or any information on wind conditions at the time the balloon was in the air. Gwaltney says that the hot air balloon came from outside of Eloy with the skydivers’ intent to jump into the Eloy Municipal Airport, which is a large skydiving center. They are working with NTSB to interview witnesses and investigate the crash.
“The incident appeared to occur very quickly. It’s just an absolute tragedy for our community and for the people that we’re working with today,” said Gwaltney.

Media Release from Eloy Police Department This morning, a devastating incident occurred in our community. At around...
Posted by Eloy Police Department on Sunday, January 14, 2024

[size]
This is the deadliest balloon crash since 2021, when five people died following a balloon crash in Albuquerque. The NTSB has investigated 30 balloons that crashed in Arizona since 2000. The last deadly balloon crash in the state was in 2005 when one person was killed, and 10 were injured after a hot air balloon crash in Marana.

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 JZIRGUHOKBAMRNOQH7D56UNOI4

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 JZIRGUHOKBAMRNOQH7D56UNOI4

The hot air balloon crash happened near Sunshine Boulevard and Hanna Road.(Arizona's Family)[/size]

by **Paul** Wed 17 Jan 2024, 6:33 pm

1,621 views Jan 12, 2024
1,621 views • Jan 12, 2024
The incident happened overnight near 19th Avenue and McDowell Road.

by **Paul** Wed 17 Jan 2024, 6:35 pm

3,362 views Jan 13, 2024
3,362 views • Jan 13, 2024
Phoenix Police shot and ran over a man after being a domestic violence call Friday night. However, that man was the not the suspect. Full details in the video above.

by **Paul** Wed 17 Jan 2024, 6:39 pm

SEE VIDEO

By AZFamily Digital News Staff, Tianna Morimoto and Micaela Marshall
Published: Jan. 14, 2024 at 2:17 PM MST|Updated: Jan. 15, 2024 at 1:27 PM MST
ELOY, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — Four people are dead, and one person is in critical condition after a tragic hot-air balloon crash just north of Eloy on Sunday morning. The crash happened around 7:50 a.m. near Sunshine Boulevard and Hanna Road.
On Monday, the Eloy Police Department released the identities of the victims who died in the crash:

Chayton Wiescholek, 28, from Union City, Michigan. To learn more about him, click/tap here.
Kaitlynn Bartrom, 28, from Andrews, Ind.
Atahan Kiliccote, 24, from Cupertino, Calif.
Cornelius van der Walt, 37, from Eloy, Ariz. (pilot)

[size]
The person who was injured has been identified as 23-year-old Valerie Stutterheim of Scottsdale.
The balloon was operated by Eloy-based Droplyne Hot Air Balloon Rides. According to the company’s site, van der Walt was the founder. Droplyne provides general balloon rides as well as flights for skydivers.
What led to the crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and FAA. In an update Monday afternoon, the NTSB says that the crash involved a Kubicek BB85Z hot air balloon, which hit the desert terrain after a problem with the aircraft’s envelope or balloon.
According to the manufacturer’s website, the aircraft involved is rated to carry a pilot and 12-16 passengers. So far, federal investigators have not found any “mechanical anomalies” with the balloon.
“An electronic device that could have relevant flight information and a video camera have been sent to NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C., for further analysis,” the NTSB said in a statement. The agency added that investigators have collected maintenance records for the balloon and additional information on van der Walt’s flight experience. A preliminary NTSB report is expected to be released in about one month.
The Eloy Police Department is also investigating the hot air balloon crash. They said that the aircraft had lifted off with eight skydivers, four passengers and the pilot. Police say all skydivers jumped from the balloon and completed their planned skydiving event before something went wrong.
“Shortly thereafter, something catastrophic occurred with the balloon, causing it to crash to the ground,” said Eloy Police Chief Byron Gwaltney.

Default Mono Sans Mono Serif Sans Serif Comic Fancy Small Caps
Default X-Small Small Medium Large X-Large XX-Large
Default Outline Dark Outline Light Outline Dark Bold Outline Light Bold Shadow Dark Shadow Light Shadow Dark Bold Shadow Light Bold
Default Black Silver Gray White Maroon Red Purple Fuchsia Green Lime Olive Yellow Navy Blue Teal Aqua OrangeDefault 100% 75% 50% 25% 0%
Default Black Silver Gray White Maroon Red Purple Fuchsia Green Lime Olive Yellow Navy Blue Teal Aqua OrangeDefault 100% 75% 50% 25% 0%

Eloy Hot Air Balloon Crash

2:33
4 identified in hot air balloon crash in Eloy

1:54
Skydiving community mourns those killed in hot air balloon crash

1:48
Eloy balloon pilot's friend: He was 'a very good pilot, a very safe person'

2:28
4 killed in hot air balloon crash in Eloy

3:18
New insight into investigation of deadly hot air balloon crash in Eloy

2:32
4 dead, 1 hurt after hot air balloon crash in Eloy
Eloy police say firefighters pulled the victims out of the crash. One person died at the scene, while four others were rushed to a hospital. Authorities say three people later died, and the other, later identified as Stutterheim, is in critical condition at a Phoenix-area trauma center.
“You go up on a Sunday morning just to feel the breeze, the coldness on your face, and expect to see your friends skydive out of a hot air balloon, which is not uncommon, and then we have a situation like this. So, that’s the sad part,” said Eloy Mayor Micah Powell.
Police say they do not know the intended flight plan of the hot air balloon or any information on wind conditions at the time the balloon was in the air. Gwaltney says that the hot air balloon came from outside of Eloy with the skydivers’ intent to jump into the Eloy Municipal Airport, which is a large skydiving center. They are working with the NTSB to interview witnesses and investigate the crash. “From our experience in interacting with our skydiving community, it’s a very safe and well-run operation. I think these types of incidents are certainly the exception, rather than the rule,” said Gwaltney.
“The incident appeared to occur very quickly. It’s just an absolute tragedy for our community and for the people that we’re working with today,” said Gwaltney.
“You don’t wish this upon anybody, you know, in a sport like this, in a community like this,” said Mayor Powell.

Bartrom’s mother, Jennifer Hubartt, said that Katie recently became a registered nurse in Fort Wayne and loved cats, adventure, and traveling. Skydiving was one of her passions, and Hubartt says Bartrom came to Arizona this weekend to go skydiving with some of her friends. Hubartt says her daughter did not jump and was a spectator who tragically died in the crash and passed away doing what she loved. Bartrom leaves behind a twin sister, a younger brother and sister as well as her mother and stepfather.

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 FDEQHZLXQ5AVFDT5MFBGMYW4NM

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 FDEQHZLXQ5AVFDT5MFBGMYW4NM

Family members say 28-year-old Katie Bartrom of Fort Wayne, Indiana died in the hot air ballon crash in Eloy.(Courtesy of Jennifer Hubartt)
“The city of Eloy is a close-knit community with a high, very large skydive community presence here. We have the world’s largest drop zone, and so when this occurs in our community, it affects us,” said Mayor Powell.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives in this tragic incident and our thoughts are with Ms. Stutterheim as she receives medical care,” Eloy police said in a statement released late Monday morning.
This is the deadliest balloon crash since 2021, when five people died following a balloon crash in Albuquerque. The NTSB has investigated 30 balloons that crashed in Arizona since 2000. The last deadly balloon crash in the state was in 2005 when one person was killed, and 10 were injured after a hot air balloon crash in Marana.

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 JZIRGUHOKBAMRNOQH7D56UNOI4

The hot air balloon crash happened near Sunshine Boulevard and Hanna Road.(Arizona's Family)[/size]

by **Paul** Sat 20 Jan 2024, 1:24 pm

by **Paul** Sun 21 Jan 2024, 10:43 am

SEE VIDEO

By Alexis Cortez
Published: Jan. 21, 2024 at 6:16 AM MST|Updated: 3 hours ago

APACHE JUNCTION, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — Troopers say a mother is dead, and her young daughter remains in the hospital after a wrong-way driver struck their car late Saturday night in Apache Junction.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, just after 9:30 p.m., troopers began receiving multiple phone calls about a pickup truck driving “all over the road” on the US 60 near Mountain View Road. Then, a short time later, callers said the truck driver was going the wrong way, driving eastbound in the westbound lanes. At 9:48 p.m., 911 callers told troopers the driver switched directions, now traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes. Not long after, the driver reportedly crashed head-on into a small sports vehicle carrying a mother and daughter inside.
The wrong-way driver was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Troopers say the mother and daughter were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. However, the mother died as emergency crews were arriving at the hospital. The daughter remains seriously hurt.
Eastbound US 60 was closed throughout the night but reopened around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday. Troopers say impairment is being investigated as a possible factor in the crash.
The mother’s name and daughter’s age haven’t been released. The investigation is ongoing.

by **Paul** Sun 21 Jan 2024, 9:57 pm

SEE VIDEO

By AZFamily Digital News Staff
Published: Jan. 21, 2024 at 3:47 PM MST|Updated: 6 hours ago

GILBERT, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - A man is dead after a police shooting in a Gilbert neighborhood on Sunday afternoon.
Around 2 p.m., Gilbert police received a call about a person with a gun in a neighborhood. That person, a 40-year-old man, was soon found in a neighborhood near Greenfield and Warner roads at the intersection of Knox and Parkcrest roads.
According to police, they found the man sitting in a vehicle in the neighborhood. As officers approached him, the man came out of his vehicle wearing a ballistic vest, armed with a handgun and a rifle. He started to approach the officers as they yelled at him to stop. “He did not listen to the commands, and the officers responded to the threat,” said Officer Leyba, a Public Information Officer with the Gilbert Police Department. The man was shot and died at the scene. He has not been identified.
For several hours, police kept the neighborhood and streets blocked off with police tape. Nearby neighbors said incidents like these don’t happen in their neighborhood. “Very scary. Yeah, it’s a wonderful neighborhood here in Gilbert. Things like that usually don’t happen,” said neighbor Ryan Bartman.
As of now, police say they don’t know why the man was armed or what he was doing. “We don’t know if he lives in the neighborhood, but we assumed he was going to his residence. I mean, that’s why he was in the area,” Leyba said.
Police say this is an isolated incident, and there were no other injuries to officers. There is currently no threat to the public.

This is the fifth officer-involved shooting in Maricopa County in 2024.

by **Paul** Thu 25 Jan 2024, 1:38 pm

SEE VIDEO

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Former President Donald Trump will no longer be coming to Arizona this week, where he was scheduled to speak during a GOP rally Friday evening in Phoenix. The AZGOP Freedom Fest has also been canceled, an Arizona Republican Party spokesperson confirmed to Arizona’s Family.
Trump was scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the AZGOP Freedom Fest. Other speakers who were scheduled to appear at the now-canceled event include Congress members Andy Biggs, Paul Gosar and Eli Crane, as well as U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake, Abe Hamadeh, Charlie Kirk and Tyler Bowyer. Tickets to the event were sold through eventbrite, but it’s unclear how refunds will be handled.
The cancellation was announced after Trump briefly took the stand in a New York defamation trial that will determine how much he could owe advice columnist E. Jean Carroll. It’s unclear if the trial had any bearing on the decision to cancel his trip to Arizona.
The news also comes a day after the Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party resigned. Jeff DeWit stepped down amid pressure after a British tabloid released secretly recorded audio clips of him reportedly trying to bribe Lake to keep her from running for U.S. Senate.

by **Paul** Wed 31 Jan 2024, 2:04 pm

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Rep. Leezah Sun has resigned from the Arizona Legislature shortly before House members were expected to vote on whether to remove her from office. The move comes a day after a House committee found her guilty of repeatedly violating ethics rules and other “disturbing behavior.”
A House Committee on Ethics released a report on Rep. Sun this week, finding that the Democrat from west Phoenix not only broke rules but also “engaged in a pattern of inappropriate behavior.” The report references one situation where Sun reportedly threatened to throw a Tolleson city official off a balcony “to kill her.” She also faced accusations that she tried to intimidate a local school superintendent with a bogus investigation and used her elected position to influence a child custody case.

A House committee released its report on Tuesday that found Rep. Leezah Sun violated ethics rules with her pattern of inappropriate behavior.
Four fellow House Democrats filed an ethics complaint against Sun in November. She maintained her innocence during the months-long ethics investigation and begged for mercy during a legislative hearing in December.

“Our Democratic leadership team is grateful to the Ethics Committee for its diligent, intensive and transparent work on this report, and to the witnesses who came forward to share their stories under incredibly difficult circumstances. The facts are overwhelmingly clear and speak for themselves. Representative Sun engaged in a pattern of disorderly behavior that damaged the reputation of the House. This is a solemn day, but Representative Sun did what’s best for our state and the integrity of this body.”
House Democratic leaders

Sun wasn’t the only House member to resign on Wednesday. Democratic Rep. Amish Shaw (Dist. 5) announced he was resigning from the legislature, effective on Thursday, to focus on his Congressional campagin. Shaw made the announcement less than a week after Jennifer Longdon, the other Dist. 5 representative, also resigned from the House.

by **Paul** Wed 31 Jan 2024, 2:07 pm

ADOT vehicle-to-infrastructure pilot study wins national award

Testing evaluated safety promise of emerging transportation technology

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has received a national award for a pilot study that looks toward the day when additional transportation infrastructure will be able to give drivers critical information about conditions ahead.
The National Operations Center of Excellence, an organization dedicated to the management and operation of state highways, presented ADOT with its Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) Award in the Emerging Trends and Technologies category.
With funding provided through the Maricopa the Association of Governments’ Emerging Technology Program, ADOT partnered with Verizon to test the viability of using sensors, cameras and wireless connectivity to deliver critical information about upcoming curves, work zones and slowing traffic.
“The purpose of the pilot project was to test and validate that critical safety notices could be sent to drivers in an efficient and timely manner,” said Susan Anderson, Systems Technology Group Manager for ADOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations division. “It helps position us for the day when vehicles are equipped to interact with transportation infrastructure.”
During the pilot program, as the test driver entered a segment, a safety message was sent to a cellphone app that broadcast an audio alert and notified a passenger with a visual alert of the real-time traffic conditions.
This technology, often referred to as vehicle-to-infrastructure or vehicle-to-everything, isn’t available yet for the general public. ADOT doesn’t currently use apps that broadcast traveler information on slowing for curves, work zones, traffic slowing and similar real-time conditions.
You can learn more about ADOT’s pilot study here.

by **Paul** Wed 31 Jan 2024, 2:09 pm

Safety project to improve stretch of Main Street starts next week in Mesa

Work will resurface roadway, enhance safety with sidewalks, bikes lanes

A project to enhance safety by adding bike lanes and sidewalks along a 5-mile stretch of Main Street (Apache Trail) in east Mesa is starting in early February, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Main Street, which once operated as the old Highway 60 route in the area before the addition of the nearby US 60 Superstition Freeway, will be improved between Sossaman and Meridian roads. The roadway will have two lanes in each direction, reduced from three, to provide room for new bike lanes and sidewalks. Construction will include improvements to drainage and roadway lighting systems.
Crews are scheduled to start work as soon as Feb. 5 by setting initial work zones along Main Street between Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) and Meridian Road. Access to local businesses will be maintained. Most work will take place on weekdays with at least one lane open in each direction. Some weekend and weeknight work may be needed at times.
The $38.5 million Main Street improvement project, also known as the 60X project, is expected to take two years to complete. ADOT will turn this stretch of Main Street over to the Maricopa County Department of Transportation when the project is finished. To learn more about the project and to subscribe for updates, please visit azdot.gov/60X-corridor.
Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov and via the AZ511 app (download free for Apple and Android devices). ADOT also provides highway condition updates via its Twitter/X feed, @ArizonaDOT.

by **Paul** Sun 25 Feb 2024, 10:45 am

SEE VIDEO

By John Macaluso
Published: Feb. 25, 2024 at 8:35 AM MST|Updated: moments ago

TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD 13 News) — The Pima County Sheriff’s Department says a man is dead following a deputy-involved shooting late Saturday night, February 24.
Deputies responded to a report of a suspicious man yelling outside of a hotel room and waving a sword around 10:00 p.m. in the area of 4855 S. Palo Verde Road, which is near Irvington and I-10.
When deputies arrived and tried to talk to him, PCSD said he unsheathed the sword and approached the deputies. That’s when a deputy fired his gun and hit the man.
Deputies began rendering aid until the arrival of the Rural Metro Fire Department. Despite efforts, the man was pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported.
The Pima County Regional Incident Team is taking over the criminal investigation of this incident, with the Tucson Police Department investigating the deputy-involved shooting. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a separate investigation to determine if any policy violations occurred.
All findings will be forwarded to the Pima County Attorney’s Office for review once the investigation is complete.
This is the 16th law enforcement-involved shooting so far this year, the 5th outside of Maricopa County.

by **Paul** Mon 04 Mar 2024, 12:32 pm

Woman rescued after falling down dry well in Chandler

SEE VIDEO

Investigators say the woman fell into the hole about seven hours before she called for help Monday morning.
By AZFamily Digital News Staff
Published: Mar. 4, 2024 at 10:34 AM MST|Updated: moments ago

CHANDLER, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — Multiple emergency crews have successfully rescued a woman who fell 15 feet into a well in a Chandler neighborhood Monday morning.
Technical rescue teams from multiple agencies responded to the call just before 9:30 a.m. near Arizona Avenue and Pecos Road. When they arrived, they learned that the woman person had fallen roughly 15 feet into the dry well several hours prior to calling for help. She was reportedly “conscious and alert” but injured, according to Chandler Fire Batallion Chief Carlos Vargas.

Several rescue crews were called to a field near Arizona Avenue and Pecos Road around 9:30 a.m. on Monday.
Vargas described the circular well as approximately five feet by five feet with a concrete floor. There was also a metal ladder attached, but the woman was unable to use it due to her injuries.
Teams set up a tripod over the well attached to a mechanical system firefighters used to bring her up to the top. She was rescued from the well at approximately 10:45 a.m., just over an hour after the operation began, and taken to a hospital. Vargas says the woman, believed to be between 30 and 40 years old, had hip and leg pain, but it’s unclear how seriously she was hurt.
Now, investigators are trying to determine what led up to her fall. Vargas says the area is set up for a future construction project and that fences were properly placed around the perimeter.
“We’re not sure what her reasoning was for crossing the fences, and we’re not sure how she fell into it,” Vargas said.
Vargas says she fell approximately seven hours before using her cellphone to call for help. He added that another person, who did not fall into the well, was with her the whole time. It’s unclear if the two know each other or why that man didn’t call for help.
In addition to Chandler, rescue teams from Mesa, Phoenix and Tempe also responded. No firefighters were hurt.

by **Paul** Thu 07 Mar 2024, 7:17 am

SEE VIDEO

Queen Creek deadly Halloween party

8:11
What's next in the Preston Lord case after 4 people indicted

18:16
Raw video: Prosecutors, QCPD announced indictments in Preston Lord case

4:17
4 people charged with murder, kidnapping in death of Preston Lord

2:29
Dozens participate in memorial walk in Chandler for Preston Lord

1:23
'Orange out' in honor of Preston Lord at basketball playoff game

2:41
What Preston Lord's death ruled as homicide means for the case

0:28
Queen Creek police looking for witness near Preston Lord's attack

0:33
Medical Examiner rules Preston Lord's death a homicide

5:35
What possible gang charges could mean for teen violence suspects

3:48
How gang charges would impact cases linked to 'Gilbert Goons'

3:53
Why underage suspects could be charged as adults in certain cases

27:29
Queen Creek Police Chief tells suspects in Preston Lord's murder "We're coming for you"

39:18
Full news conference with Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell

1:48
San Tan Valley community shows support for teens killed

46:54
RAW VIDEO: Gilbert police chief addresses teen violence investigations

7:26
RAW VIDEO: Queen Creek Police Chief provides update on investigation into Preston Lord's murder

1:42
Queen Creek police chief promises arrests in Preston Lord case

0:36
Queen Creek leaders to give update on Preston Lord case

1:31
Parents speak at Chandler council meeting regarding teen violence

3:02
Maricopa County attorney 'lining the ducks up' in Preston Lord case
By Ben Bradley and David Baker
Published: Mar. 6, 2024 at 6:24 PM MST|Updated: 10 hours ago

QUEEN CREEK, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — Four people have been indicted on charges including murder and kidnapping in connection to the deadly attack on 16-year-old Preston Lord in Queen Creek, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said on Wednesday night.
Mitchell said Talan Renner, William Owen Hines, Talyn Vigil and Dominic Turner have been charged with felony murder and kidnapping charges, Mitchell said. Turner was also charged with aggravated robbery.
“What has happened here today is a massive step forward in the quest for justice for Preston Lord,” Mitchell said.
Preston Lord’s family provided a statement about the indictments through their attorney:

We extend heartfelt gratitude to the community members who stepped up to provide information to secure these arrests. But for law enforcement’s collective efforts and community members’ invaluable cooperation, these arrests would not have happened. Each arrest represents a step towards accountability and justice for our son Preston.
DeFusco Law, the law firm represents Nick Lord and Autumn Curiel

Queen Creek Police officers arrested Renner, Vigil and Turner on Wednesday. Hines was already in custody. Arizona’s Family News Chopper was over the Whitewing community in Gilbert, near Pecos and Higley roads, on Wednesday afternoon. Video showed Queen Creek police and SWAT teams were seen in the neighborhood.
“This was a Herculean effort on the part of the police department,” said Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice. “They put in countless hours, blood, sweat and tears to get to this point, and I’m very proud of what they’ve done.”
The county attorney also blasted critics who said the Queen Creek Police Department and prosecutors were taking too long. “You could not have been more wrong,” Mitchell said. “From the night of the incident, the Queen Creek Police Department has spent hundreds of hours piecing together an extremely complex case that involves dozens of potential players, either suspects, witnesses or other individuals with knowledge.”
Mitchell said her office got the case in late December and had to review a police report that was about 2,000 pages long. Attorneys also watched 600 pieces of video linked to the case “over and over and over,” Mitchell said.
An investigative grand jury started hearing the case on Feb. 7. On Feb. 14, it received the report from the Maricopa County Officer of the Medical Examiner regarding Preston.
Mitchell said an investigative grand jury is different from a regular grand jury since it allows them to do more investigating. “They can require witnesses to appear in front of them via subpoena. They can subpoena documents and other matters,” Mitchell said.
More arrests could be on the way. “We’re not done,” Mitchell said.

How it all began

Lord was brutally beaten outside a Halloween party in a Queen Creek neighborhood on Saturday, Oct. 28. He died the following Monday at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Two days after his death, on Nov. 1, Queen Creek police announced the teen’s death was being investigated as a homicide. The FBI joined the investigation about two weeks later. In late December, QCPD confirmed charging referrals had been submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office against a total of seven kids and adults.
Lord’s death was officially ruled a homicide last month, but the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner has not yet released specific details about the nature of his injuries.
The homicide of Preston Lord is one of numerous investigations involving teen violence in the East Valley. Tap/click here for full coverage.

Preston Lord Homicide Timeline of Events

Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023

9:07 p.m.: QCPD’s non-emergency line receives a call about a possible disturbance involving juveniles near 194th and Via Del Oro. Teens were seen leaving the area, but no illegal activity was observed, and officers were diverted to another call.
9:49 p.m.: QCPD receives a 911 call about an assault in the area of 194th Street and Via Del Rancho. Officers arrived within three minutes and found a teen lying in the roadway. They administered lifesaving efforts until paramedics arrived and took him to the hospital.

Monday, Oct. 30

Preston Lord passed away at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Tuesday, Oct. 31

QCPD announced that officers are investigating the teen’s death and that they are awaiting findings from the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office. Police also requested surveillance and doorbell camera video from a half-mile radius of the area between the hours of 6 and 10 p.m. on Oct. 28. Residents with video or other information are asked to call (480) 358-3500 or email QCPDInvestigators@QueenCreekAZ.gov.

Wednesday, Nov. 1

Police announced the teen’s death is now being investigated as a homicide and that officers are working on several leads. QCPD Chief Randy Brice and Cmdr. Mark Newman also dispelled online rumors claiming that officers were already at the party when the attack occurred.

Monday, Nov. 6

QCPD provided a brief update on the investigation, calling it “complex and far-reaching due to the amount of people involved” while stressing that no arrests have been made.

Wednesday, Nov. 8

Police said several search warrants have been executed as investigators work towards an arrest.

Thursday, Nov. 9

Lord’s classmates and friends held a candlelight vigil at Combs High School in San Tan Valley.

Tuesday, Nov. 14

QCPD announced that “multiple persons of interest” have been identified in Lord’s death. Chief Brice said the department had received hundreds of tips and that the investigation has included “extensive interviews, warrants and court orders.”
The FBI’s Phoenix Field Office joined the investigation and offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect or suspects. Anyone with photos, videos or other information is asked to visit fbi.gov/prestonlord or call the FBI’s toll-free tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

Thursday, Nov. 16

A group of Queen Creek residents distributed “Light Up the Night” signs, which instruct families to light a candle until Thanksgiving Day for Lord, his family and the safety of all kids.

Wednesday, Nov. 22

QCPD confirms that no one has been arrested but that “significant progress” has been made in the investigation.

Tuesday, Nov. 28

Community members hosted a Light the Night Community Walk to mark one month since Lord was beaten.

Wednesday, Dec. 6

Queen Creek held a town council meeting to discuss Lord’s death and provide updates on search warrants in the investigation.

Thursday, Dec. 21

Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice said the investigation continues and that he understands that it is “incredibly frustrating for the public that there has not yet been an arrest.”

Thursday, Dec. 28

The Queen Creek Police Department confirmed charges have been submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review.
Participants in a Light the Night Walk will walk from Mesquite High School to Gilbert police headquarters in honor of Lord and to request more investigation into teen violence.

Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024

Preston Lord’s stepmother spoke at Chandler City Council meeting, calling for action in her son’s case, and said the loss of Preston was “due to unnecessary violence.”
Queen Creek police continue reviewing evidence, but no suspects have been arrested or detained.

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024

The Queen Creek police chief and mayor both spoke at a Town Council meeting, promising justice for Preston Lord.

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell provided an update on the investigation, saying her office is reviewing over 2,000 pieces of digital evidence, including more than 600 videos. She says the work is a “monumental task.”

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024

Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice spoke with Arizona’s Family, saying arrests in Lord’s death are pending and could happen at any moment.

Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024

Preston Lord’s family released a statement, asking the public and media for “patience to ensure the best possible outcome.”
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said members of her office and QCPD recently held a full meeting to discuss the status of the investigation.

Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024

Lord’s death was officially ruled a homicide by the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner.
QCPD said officers are looking for a possible witness in the area where Lord was attacked.

by **Paul** Wed 24 Apr 2024, 1:47 pm

Arizona House moves forward to repeal 1800s-era abortion ban; heads to Senate

SEE VIDEO

PHOENIX (AZFamily/AP) — Arizona lawmakers took their first step toward repealing the 1864 near-total abortion ban on Wednesday after they failed in their prior two attempts.

Three Republican lawmakers joined with Democrats to overrule GOP House Speaker Ben Toma, who tried to block the bill for the third week in a row.

The vote was 32-28. The focus now shifts to the state Senate, which is not expected to vote on potentially scrapping the near-total abortion ban until next week. A motion for the bill to be transmitted to the Senate immediately failed after the repeal vote.

[size=15][size=15]Dennis Welch
[/size]

@dennis_welch

·
Follow

#BREAKING: AZ House votes (32-28) to repeal the 1864 near total abortion ban after they failed in their prior two attempts. Focus now shifts to the Senate which could vote next week.

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 GL8_V_RaYAE64yS?format=jpg&name=small

IN THE LOCAL NEWS...4 GL8_V_RaYAE64yS?format=jpg&name=small

12:17 PM · Apr 24, 2024[/size]

Shortly after the vote, Gov. Katie Hobbs welcomed the news, adding that she would do everything in her power to keep abortion accessible to Arizonans.
“I am glad to see the House follow my calls to repeal the archaic 1864 total abortion ban that could jail doctors and endanger the lives of women in Arizona. I’m thankful to House Democrats who worked relentlessly for years to repeal this draconian ban. Now, the Senate must do the right thing and send this repeal to my desk,” she said.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes followed suit, saying that her office would look at every legal avenue to avoid the pre-Civil War law from taking place.
“I am grateful that sanity prevailed in the Arizona House today with the repeal of the draconian, near-total 1864 abortion ban. That 160 year-old-law that criminalizes doctors and nurses for caring for their patients and endangers the lives and health of woman across our state has no place in in the 21st century,” Mayes said. “I call on the Senate to quickly follow suit and join the House in repealing this law. Unfortunately, without an emergency clause that would allow the repeal to take effect quickly, we may still be looking at a period of time when the 1864 could potentially take effect.”
Arizona Republicans have been under intense pressure from some conservatives in their base, who firmly support the abortion ban, even as it’s become a liability with swing voters who will decide crucial races, including the presidency, the U.S. Senate and the GOP’s control of the Legislature.
Read More: Supreme Court to consider when doctors can provide emergency abortions in states with bans
The vote comes a day after Biden said former President Donald Trump, his presumptive Republican rival, created a “healthcare crisis for women all over this country,” and imperiled their access to healthcare.
The Arizona Supreme Court concluded the state can enforce a long-dormant law that permits abortions only to save the pregnant patient’s life. The ruling suggested doctors could be prosecuted under the law first approved in 1864, which carries a sentence of two to five years in prison for anyone who assists in an abortion.
A week ago, one Republican in the Arizona House, Rep. Matt Gress, joined 29 Democrats to bring the repeal measure to a vote, but the effort failed twice on 30-30 votes. On Wednesday, two other GOP lawmakers voted to repeal the bill, Rep. Tim Dunn and Rep. Justin Wilmeth.
There appears to be enough support for repealing the law in the Arizona Senate, but a final vote is unlikely to happen before May 1.
The law had been blocked since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision guaranteed the constitutional right to an abortion nationwide.
After Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022, then-Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, persuaded a state judge that the 1864 ban could be enforced. Still, the law hasn’t actually been enforced while the case was making its way through the courts. Brnovich’s Democratic successor, Attorney General Kris Mayes, urged the state’s high court against reviving the law.
Mayes has said the earliest the law could be enforced is June 8, though the anti-abortion group defending the ban, Alliance Defending Freedom, maintains county prosecutors can begin enforcing it once the Supreme Court’s decision becomes final, which is expected to occur this week.
MORE: GOP leaders in Arizona accidentally leaked abortion strategy to Democrats
If the proposed repeal wins final approval from the Republican-controlled Legislature and is signed into law by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, a 2022 statute banning the procedure after 15 weeks of pregnancy would become the prevailing abortion law.
Planned Parenthood officials vowed to continue providing abortions for the short time they are still legal and said they will reinforce networks that help patients travel out of state to places like New Mexico and California to access abortion.
This past summer, abortion rights advocates began a push to ask Arizona voters to create a constitutional right to abortion.
The proposed constitutional amendment would guarantee abortion rights until a fetus could survive outside the womb, typically around 24 weeks. It also would allow later abortions to save the parent’s life, or to protect her physical or mental health.
Republican lawmakers, in turn, are considering putting one or more competing abortion proposals on the November ballot.
A leaked planning document outlined the approaches being considered by House Republicans, such as codifying existing abortion regulations, proposing a 14-week ban that would be “disguised as a 15-week law” because it would allow abortions until the beginning of the 15th week, and a measure that would prohibit abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, before many people know they’re pregnant.
House Republicans have not yet publicly released any such proposed ballot measures.