On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, an AZDPS Canine District trooper pulled over the driver of a white Toyota minivan for civil traffic violations on eastbound Interstate 40 in Kingman. While talking with the driver, the trooper observed indicators of criminal activity. That awareness ultimately led to a vehicle search, during which the trooper found a large amount of tightly wrapped packages concealed beneath rugs in the trunk.

After further investigation, troopers determined the packages contained approximately 447 pounds of cocaine, with a total estimated street value of $12.1 million.

Both the driver and passenger were arrested and booked into the Mohave County Jail on charges including transportation of a narcotic drug for sale and possession of drug paraphernalia.

This case highlights the outstanding work our Canine District troopers do every day. Their skill, attention to detail, and focus on disrupting criminal activity make a real impact throughout Arizona.

Detectives with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Vehicular Crimes Unit (VCU) arrested a Patagonia man in connection with the death of a 37-year-old victim who fell from a pickup truck in Tucson in September 2025.

On March 9, 2026, detectives took Jack Crawford, 52, of Patagonia, AZ, into custody for failure to stop at the scene of an accident involving death.

A lengthy investigation by Southern VCU detectives determined that on September 7, 2025, Michael Stewart, 37, was riding in the bed of a pickup truck driven by Crawford when he fell from the vehicle near State Route 77 and Golder Ranch Road. Stewart sustained fatal injuries and was later found deceased in the roadway by passing motorists. Detectives determined that Crawford did not stop to render aid and never reported the incident to law enforcement.

Through continued investigative work, VCU detectives located Crawford in Patagonia, where he was arrested without incident.

This arrest reflects the persistence of our VCU detectives, whose thorough investigative efforts help provide answers for families and pursue accountability for those responsible for criminal activity.

On Friday, February 27, 2026, Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) troopers and Phoenix Police Department officers were involved in an officer-involved shooting.

At approximately 9:02 p.m., an AZDPS trooper attempted to stop a Chevrolet sedan for a traffic violation. The driver failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued. A trooper deployed a Grappler device, bringing the vehicle to a stop on the southbound frontage road west of 19th Avenue.

The driver, identified as 41-year-old Jesus A. Gonzalez Flores, was noncompliant with officers’ commands. During the encounter, officers discharged their firearms, striking Flores. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A machete was later located under the passenger seat of the vehicle.

One Phoenix Police officer and one state trooper were impacted by a vehicle as the driver repeatedly attempted to break the Grappler's tether. A passenger in the vehicle complied with officers and was later released after being interviewed.

The AZDPS Major Incident Division is investigating.

On the morning of Thursday, March 5, 2026, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) state trooper conducted a traffic stop on the driver of a pickup truck for speeding on State Route 95 north of Lake Havasu City. This enforcement action quickly escalated into a significant arrest that removed a wanted violent offender from the community.

During the stop, the front-seat passenger provided the trooper with a false name. When asked for additional identification, the individual became evasive and refused to provide his true identity. The trooper instructed the passenger to step out of the vehicle for further investigation, at which point the suspect began physically resisting. A struggle ensued, and the trooper deployed his Taser, safely subduing and detaining the suspect.

A fingerprint scan identified the suspect as 23-year-old Gilberto Mendez III, the subject of active parole warrants, including one for second-degree murder. Mendez was also wanted by the Bullhead City Police Department in connection with multiple shootings in Bullhead City.

“We thank the Arizona Department of Public Safety for their assistance in apprehending this violent suspect, who is believed to be connected to multiple shootings in Bullhead City over the past several months,” said Bullhead City Police Corporal Walter Morales. “This arrest is an important step in holding those responsible accountable and keeping our community safe.”

Mendez was ultimately booked into the Mohave County Jail on his warrants. He faces additional charges, including resisting arrest, aggravated assault on a first responder, and identity theft.

This incident highlights the critical role traffic enforcement plays in protecting Arizona’s communities. Thanks to the trooper’s vigilance and professionalism, a wanted violent offender is no longer in the community.

AZDPS remains committed to providing public safety through proactive enforcement and strong partnerships across the state.