Residents urge review after police arrest at high school basketball game; callers praise and defend officers too

Multiple speakers at Sierra Vista’s March 27 city council meeting addressed an incident at a Buena High School basketball game that resulted in coach Sahib Books being handcuffed, urging the council and police leadership to review the response while others defended the officers and the individuals involved.

Dan Macomber, who said he had reviewed video footage and the police release though he was not at the game, urged the chief to review the matter under the department’s standards: "The police response in this rapid escalation of tension was unexpected and not something I would have expected from a high caliber police force," Macomber said, and asked the council and police chief to apply high standards and accountability.

Other callers spoke in defense of the coach and his family. Mona Persimia said she has known Officer Rebecca Bucks professionally for many years and that video of the incident left her "very disappointed in our way our police force reacted." Diana Donovan, who identified herself as a coworker and friend of Rebecca Bucks, said she believes the officer acted inappropriately and escalated the situation.

At the same meeting, Eric Peterman described a separate traffic stop he experienced as professional and praised the police chief and department. Peterman also complimented the city’s recent property demolition work and offered support for local nonprofits.

Council did not take formal action during the meeting regarding the incident; multiple speakers requested that the police department review the response and ensure accountability. The chief’s office previously posted a statement referenced by callers; council members acknowledged the public input but did not announce a specific follow-up action during the March 27 meeting.