At approximately midnight on the morning of Thursday, Aug. 13, a Camp Verde Marshal’s Office deputy conducted a civil traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on Interstate 17 near State Route 260 in Camp Verde.
The vehicle was being driven by 22-year-old John Sanchez, who was traveling from Phoenix, Arizona, with a female passenger.
During the traffic stop, Camp Verde Marshal’s Office deployed a K-9. Sanchez subsequently accelerated away from the traffic stop and fled the area. The CVMO quickly determined that the female passenger was attempting to exit the vehicle and had called 911, reporting that Sanchez would not allow her to leave.
Based on the information provided by the female occupant, Camp Verde deputies continued their pursuit of the fleeing vehicle, recognizing that the female occupant was now believed to be the victim of a kidnapping.
During the pursuit, speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour were recorded. Deputies also observed Sanchez throwing objects from the vehicle as he continued fleeing.
Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers, including members of the agency’s aviation unit, responded to assist Camp Verde deputies. Troopers successfully deployed spike strips on Interstate 17 near Mile Marker 328, disabling the vehicle’s tires.
Sanchez then reportedly fled from the disabled vehicle on foot and entered a nearby wooded area. The female victim was safely removed from the area and provided appropriate assistance.
Additional law enforcement resources were requested and utilized in the search, including personnel from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety SWAT Team and Verde Valley Regional SWAT Team.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, deputies located nearly one pound of psilocybin mushrooms and just under one pound of marijuana. Deputies also recovered approximately 117 grams of cocaine from the side of the roadway near the location where Sanchez was observed discarding items from the vehicle during the pursuit.
At approximately 7 a.m., Sanchez was located and taken into custody.
Sanchez was booked into the Yavapai County Detention Center in Camp Verde on felony charges including:
- kidnapping
- endangerment
- possession of marijuana
- possession of marijuana for sale
- transportation or sale of marijuana
- possession of dangerous drugs
- possession of dangerous drugs for sale
Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
The Camp Verde Marshal’s Office thanks DPS, CCSO, YCSO, DPS SWAT Team, and Verde Valley Regional SWAT Team for their assistance in locating and apprehending the suspect and, most importantly, ensuring the safety of the female victim and surrounding community.
