PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is pleased to announce the successful resolution of the Turquoise Alert for 6-year-old Violet Coultas, who was found safe earlier today, Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Cottonwood, Arizona.

The alert was issued on the evening of Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in connection with a custodial interference case originating out of Hawaii. Violet was reportedly taken by her non-custodial mother, 48-year-old Sarah Coultas, in violation of a lawful custody order.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the FBI contacted the Cottonwood Police Department with new information indicating the mother and daughter were in their jurisdiction. Cottonwood Police Department officers responded and successfully located the mother and daughter. Violet was found safe and asleep and was cared for by police until the Arizona Department of Child Safety arrived to take custody. Sarah Coultas was taken into custody without incident. The Turquoise Alert was cancelled a short time later.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Buckeye Police Department, Cottonwood Police Department, AZDPS Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center personnel, the Hawaii Police Department, the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, FBI Phoenix Field Office, FBI Honolulu Field Office, the Arizona Department of Child Safety, and vigilant members of the public, Violet is now safe and in protective care.

“Turquoise Alerts are an essential tool in quickly notifying the public and mobilizing law enforcement when a vulnerable individual is missing,” said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the AZDPS. “In this case, the system worked exactly as intended. We are grateful for the teamwork and commitment of all those who contributed to Violet’s safe recovery.”

Sarah Coultas is in custody pending extradition and further legal proceedings.

This case underscores the importance of strong interagency communication and public awareness in time-sensitive investigations involving at-risk individuals.

Cities around the country have recently experienced individuals with bad intentions attempting to impersonate law enforcement, diminishing trust between law enforcement officers and their communities.

A.R.S. §13-2411 makes it a class 6 felony to impersonate a peace officer with the intent to induce another to submit to or rely on that authority. If done during the commission of a felony—such as assault or theft— it is a class 4 felony.

“Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious crime that undermines public trust and threatens community safety,” said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “Our agency is committed to rigorously investigating and prosecuting anyone who falsely presents themselves as a peace officer. We will not tolerate individuals who exploit the authority and image of law enforcement for criminal or deceptive purposes.”

“Our local and state law enforcement have a tough job to do,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Impersonating them makes that job even tougher. It puts our officers in harm's way, undermines public trust, and makes our communities less safe. Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a felony in Arizona, and anybody caught doing so will be charged to the fullest extent of the law.”

Tips if you encounter a law enforcement impersonator:

• If driving, try to pull over in a well-lit, populated area
• Request identification: Law enforcement officers are required to carry authorized credentials that identify them and their agency
• Call 911
• Note identifying details (vehicle type, license plate, badge number)
• Remain calm

Anyone who suspects they had an encounter with a law enforcement impersonator should provide that information with as much detail as possible to local law enforcement immediately.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is proud to announce the launch of the Turquoise Alert system, a new statewide initiative designed to aid in the swift recovery of missing and endangered individuals under the age of 65, including members of tribal communities.

This important public safety tool was established through House Bill 2281, signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs on May 13, 2025, and is officially titled “Emily’s Law” in honor of San Carlos Apache tribal member Emily Pike.

The Turquoise Alert system will be activated when a person goes missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances and is believed to be endangered. Alerts will be issued only when specific criteria are met, including:

• The missing person is under 65 years of age.
• Local law enforcement has exhausted all available resources.
• There is reason to believe the individual is in danger or in the company of a potentially dangerous person.
• Sufficient descriptive information is available to assist in their recovery.

Alerts will be disseminated regionally through the Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) vehicle messaging system boards, the requesting agency's social media platforms, and the AZDPS Alerts website. Law enforcement agencies across the state will also receive an All-Points Bulletin (APB) broadcast.

“The Turquoise Alert represents a vital step forward in protecting vulnerable individuals in our communities,” said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, Director of the AZDPS. “By empowering the public with timely, actionable information, we can make a critical difference in locating those who are missing and bringing them home safely.”

Based on previous years’ activations under similar programs, AZDPS anticipates 15 to 30 Turquoise Alerts per year. This number may grow as public awareness and outreach expand.

NEWS CONFERENCE

Go to azdps.gov/live to watch a livestream of the news conference beginning at 9 a.m. MST on Thursday, July 10, 2025.