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Cochise County sheriff issues public-safety advisories: extreme heat, scams and vehicle/bicycle safety
Summary
Sheriff Mark J. Daniels used the KWCD show to urge residents to prepare for extreme heat and monsoon season, warned about evolving phone and pharmacy scams, urged people to lock vehicles to avoid theft, and reminded drivers to watch for bicyclists.
Sheriff Mark J. Daniels urged Cochise County residents to take immediate precautions against extreme heat, warned of ongoing scams targeting seniors and others, and reminded motorists to lock vehicles and watch for bicyclists.
Daniels told KWCD listeners the region is experiencing prolonged extreme heat and dry conditions and that monsoons may not arrive soon enough to mitigate drought-related risks. "Make sure you're drinking a lot of water," he said, and advised people to avoid outdoor activity during the hottest hours.
On scams, public-information officer Carol Kappas described two recent patterns: text messages falsely stating there is a warrant for the recipient's arrest and callers purporting to be pharmacies or doctors asking for private information. "If it's something serious, we're gonna come get you. If you have a question, call us," Kappas said. The sheriff urged people not to stay on the phone with scammers and to involve financial institutions and family members when large sums are requested.
Daniels warned of a local rash of vehicle break-ins that are frequently the result of unlocked cars and left personal documents. "Please make sure that you don't leave your personal information in your car," he said, and suggested a 9 p.m. nightly check to lock cars and secure valuables.
He also addressed bicycle safety after a collision earlier in the week: the sheriff reminded drivers and cyclists that bicycles have the same legal road rights as motor vehicles and urged patience and visibility while construction and paving are ongoing.
The sheriff also noted community policing efforts and charity ride-alongs that raise funds for local causes; he said those events raised more than $30,000 in the prior year. On officer recognition, Daniels announced Sierra Vista deputy Braunstein was the county's nominee for an upcoming Mothers Against Drunk Driving award; Daniels cited the deputy's 2024 stats as 196 arrests, 566 traffic stops, 45 impaired-driving arrests and 16 aggravated-driving arrests.
Ending: The sheriff closed by urging situational awareness, tending to vulnerable neighbors during heat, guarding personal information from scammers, and taking simple steps to secure vehicles and keep bicyclists safe.
