Trooper Arrests Florida Fugitive Wanted for Child Abuse

Phoenix, Arizona — On November 14, 2016, at 9:14 p.m., a Trooper with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) stopped a Chevrolet Blazer southbound on Interstate 17 at Thomas road after a registration check on the license plate showed it belonged to another vehicle. A check with AZDPS dispatch revealed that the driver, Scott Alan Squires, 44, had a felony warrant out of Pensacola, Florida for cruelty towards a child and willful child abuse. 

Shortly after being placed in the back of the Trooper’s patrol vehicle, Squires attempted to commit suicide by wrapping the rear seat belt around his head and using his body weight to hang himself. Squires became unresponsive as a result of his actions. The Phoenix Fire Department arrived on scene and checked Squires’ medical condition. They advised he would be OK, and he recovered. 

While in processing at the jail, Squires attempted to hang himself using his t-shirt as a rope. He lost consciousness as a result of this second suicide attempt. The arresting Trooper immediately entered the cell and called for medical attention. The suspect regained consciousness and became alert. While being treated by jail medical staff, Squires physically assaulted a nurse. A short time later Squires was transported to St. Joseph’s hospital for treatment before being booked at the Maricopa 4th Avenue jail.

Squires was booked for aggravated assault on a Health Care Practitioner Acting in Official Capacity. Squires is also being held on the child abuse warrant out of Florida where he will eventually be extradited. 

“This is yet another example of the importance of law enforcement taking an active role in interdiction efforts to get those who abuse and harm children off the streets. The Arizona Department of Public Safety has a strong focus in this area and every one of our troopers is aware that they can truly make a difference,” said Captain Eric Anspach of the AZDPS Highway Patrol Division.