April 4, 2024

The Prescott Valley Police Department announced Thursday that the suspect in three recent criminal damage incidents at Bradshaw Mountain High School is also suspected in the fire that destroyed an apartment complex being built downtown on Monday.

Classes at the school were canceled Thursday, after what initially appeared to be an early-morning electrical fire. However, police investigation revealed the fire was related to another break-in, similar to two incidents over the weekend.

In a video press release Thursday, Police Chief Bob Ticer said the joint task force of local and federal investigators is treating the suspect seen on school surveillance footage as a suspect in the Legado Apartments fire, as well.

PVPD asks anyone who may have information about this case, even if you think it is inconsequential, to leave a tip on their 24-hour line at 928-772-5666; or through Yavapai Silent Witness, if you wish the remain anonymous.

He also reiterated a request for help from any area resident or business owner with an outdoor security camera:

“What our ask is, is all of our community members that have Ring cameras, cameras on their home, business cameras, whatever cameras you have available out there, please start going through that footage over the last week—specific to last weekend and up until this morning—to see if you have any video on there, specific to the release of the suspect’s pictures.”

You can see a press release with the surveillance photos of the suspect, and a link for uploading photo and video to police, at prescottvalley-az.gov, under Latest News.

The Police Department also received calls Thursday about rumors of an active shooter or bomb threat at other local schools, but says those rumors are unfounded. The Humboldt Unified School District says they are taking precautions with law enforcement to ensure the safety of staff and students.

Josh Freeman | KAZM News Director | josh@mellowmountainradio.com