Cochise County sheriff urges rain precautions, discusses jail district meetings, Douglas port ribbon cutting and a high-speed arrest

Sheriff Mark Danels told listeners on KWCD’s First Watch that Cochise County residents should prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding and that law enforcement and emergency management are taking precautions.

“This could be a bad situation. So just be very careful while you’re out there,” Danels said, adding later, “If you don't have to be out, I wouldn't be out in it. Second of all, turn around. Don't drown.”

Danels spoke about a series of jail district public meetings the sheriff’s office has been holding and encouraged residents to watch via Facebook Live or the board of supervisors website to “get firsthand information.” He said attendance at the meetings has been light but encouraged participation and cited multiple remaining meetings around the county.

He also said Gov. Katie Hobbs would visit Cochise County for two events: a ribbon cutting at the new Douglas Port of Entry and a press conference at the county’s border regional center that will include sheriffs and county officials. Danels said County Attorney Laurie Zukko will join him at the news event to discuss coordinated efforts on illicit drugs and related border enforcement.

Danels described a traffic stop earlier this month in which deputies boxed and stopped a vehicle they estimated at 121 miles per hour. “You can imagine what that looked like,” he said, noting the car had a temporary plate and deployed airbags on the passenger side. The driver was charged with reckless driving, criminal speed and driving without insurance; Danels said the driver was not a U.S. resident and had a guest pass to be in the country.

Danels also reviewed recent and upcoming community engagement: a sheriff’s office ride-along fundraiser for the nonprofit Real Wishes, a benefit in Tombstone called “Trucking for Tommy,” and a food-truck festival at Veterans Memorial Park organized by the Women’s Council of Realtors. He thanked volunteers and emphasized the partnership between law enforcement and community groups.

Danels closed by saying his segment was brief because he was leaving for the press conference with the governor. “I signed I apologize to everybody. It was so short, but I have to run and do this press conference with the governor,” he said.

The sheriff's on-air comments covered public-safety advice ahead of heavy rain, instructions for finding public information on jail district meetings, a preview of county participation in the Douglas Port of Entry ribbon cutting and border press conference, and a description of a high-speed stop that resulted in criminal charges.