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Press Releases
June 24, 2024 Pipeline Breach Results in J-6 Roadway Closure
On June 22, 2024, in the early morning hours, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office was advised of an issue with a 10-inch pipeline that suffered damage in the area of Williams Road in the J-Six community.
Personnel from Kinder Morgan responded to the scene and quickly assessed the damage/ situation, advising that although there was an initial smell of gas leakage the test medium was confirmed that this was planned maintenance using water in the pipeline and the initial smell would be from residual odorant in the line.
Due to this event, two locations on Williams Road were damaged and it was determined that the roadway required closure for safety reasons pending completion of repairs to the line and the roadway.
Emergency responders were notified of the Williams Road closure with the detour being established using Clark and Crazy Woman Roads.
The road is closed immediately, and we urge residents in the area to use the described alternate route until the location is cleared as safe for travel. Note that this may take five to seven days and we appreciate your patience during this time.
There are no anticipated disruptions of gas service as gas is being diverted to alternate lines.
June 20, 2024 JOINT PRESS RELEASE - Shooting near Naco Arizona
This press release is issued in coordination with the Sierra Vista Police and Bisbee Police Department
Suspect wanted for homicide is wounded and arrested after firing at law enforcement
Bisbee, AZ. 06/20/24. On June 19, 2024, at approximately 7:45 pm a Deputy from the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, Officers from the Sierra Vista Police Department and Bisbee Police Department, and a Border Patrol Agent were involved in a shooting near Naco, Arizona.
Deputies were on patrol in the Bisbee area near Naco Highway at approximately 7:30 p.m. when they observed a vehicle matching the description of a wanted person from Tucson who was reportedly involved in a homicide case. As Deputies initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, the driver failed to yield, and a short pursuit ensued. The driver of the suspect vehicle began firing a weapon at officers from the rear window as he continued driving erratically at a high rate of speed down Naco Highway.
Law enforcement personnel continued the pursuit and at some point, the suspect was shot, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed off of Naco Highway.
The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was confirmed to be the subject wanted for homicide in Tucson. The driver was assessed by medical personnel on the scene before being flown to a Tucson hospital for his injuries. The driver’s name is being withheld until he is formally charged and booked into jail.
The Department of Public Safety critical incident investigation team from Phoenix is conducting the criminal investigation.
Officers from each agency directly involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation per policy.
“Based on the investigative briefs I have received, I’m confident in the actions by all involved as outlined within our legal authority and training,” Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels said. “Additionally, the collective decisions by everyone demonstrates the caliber of law enforcement officers, deputies, troopers, and agents working in Cochise County.
Most importantly, the primary goal of protecting self and others was well-illustrated last night sending a firm message to all that the ‘Rule of Law’ is our cultural compass!”
“This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement in their daily duties to protect and serve our communities,” Sierra Vista Police Chief Chris Hiser said. “The officers involved in Wednesday’s shooting were required to act quickly and according to their training. I am thankful no officers or innocent bystanders were injured during this incident.”
“This incident is a clear indication of the dangers law enforcement faces daily. I am proud of my officers, and our law enforcement partners who were involved in this serious incident,” Bisbee Police Chief Tim Cox said. “They utilized their training to end the incident quickly, and to protect the innocent citizens of Bisbee and the surrounding community. I am grateful not one innocent person or any of our law enforcement professionals were injured. I will continue to stand with my Officers and law enforcement partners to protect our fellow citizens.”
