Marshals hunt fugitive without telling MPD

On Friday, with help from the Maricopa Police Department and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals captured an unidentified 33-year-old fugitive in the vicinity of Butterfield Elementary School.

Even though the U.S. Marshals proceeded without notifying the Maricopa Police Department, MPD was asked to assist in the capture.

“In this particular incident, the Maricopa Police Department was notified of the suspect on the loose, after he eluded the task force that was trying to arrest him,” said Chief Kirk Fitch. “We responded to assist them.”

Butterfield Elementary was not officially put into complete “lockdown” as Dr. Ember Conley, principal, was notified by an officer that the fugitive did not place the school in immediate danger. She did, however, take precautionary measures.

“We kept doors locked and didn’t allow recess,” said Conley. “The Maricopa Police Department has always been good about notifying us about these situations, and there has always been good cooperation. Prior to releasing our students for the day, we got confirmation from both the district office and MPD that it was safe and acceptable.”

With consent from the district, Conley said the school usually has a lockdown drill once a month, and the safety of students is always a priority.

MUSD Superintendent Jeff Kleck agreed with Conley’s assessment, “We have a good relationship with MPD.  Had it been something MPD was in control of, we would have been notified if they felt a lockdown was necessary. We have in-house monthly safety meetings, and we also meet with them, as we did last year, to do tabletop exercises. We will schedule a tabletop exercise next year as well.  I think our communication with MPD and MFD is good.” 

As to residents of the area not being informed, Fitch commented, “As for the protocol to alert people, we would alert people when we can. If the agency in charge of the incident felt a wider notification was needed, we do so, like on armed barricade situations or if this had been an unknown, armed subject on the loose. In this particular case, this suspect's identity was known, and he was accused of committing
a non-violent offense.”

“If we have information on a known offender and the fact law enforcement knows where he lives, it is much easier to find and capture, versus an unknown offender running loose in an area,” said Fitch. “What I have seen happen is you let a lot of people know, next thing you  have is a bunch of people out and about, which can mess up K-9 searches and the air unit's ability to discern suspects.”

Fitch also commented on the U.S. Marshals proceeding without notifying MPD officials, “I would encourage any task force, in the future, to let us know before they attempt an arrest, therefore speeding- up the process of our response and allowing more officers at the scene. Most times we can assist, and it would all depend on manpower at the time of the request.”

Editor's note: The Sierra Vista Police Department has promised to provide InMaricopa.com with information on the fugitive and the charges against him by the end of the week. Those details will be provided when they become available.