Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: The Green Star Clinic was burglarized and a 14-year-old juvenile was found in possession of stolen items after a high-speed chase by deputies.
By Jon Johnson
SOLOMON – A 14-year-old male was arrested after reportedly leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit early Thursday morning at speeds of nearly 100 mph down Solomon Road.
The juvenile was apprehended after a foot chase through a cotton field and was found in possession of several items that appeared to be stolen from the Green Star Clinic, which sells a variety of CBD products. After the discovery, a Safford officer responded to the clinic and noticed the business had been broken into and several items were missing and broken. The juvenile was transported to the Graham County Juvenile Probation Department to be held until seeing a judge on preliminary charges of trafficking in stolen property, unlawful flight from law enforcement, unlawful use of means of transportation, and possession of marijuana.
According to Graham County Sheriff’s Office reports, the juvenile is believed to have stolen a truck from a family member and then burglarized the Green Star Clinic with an accomplice.
A deputy initially attempted to perform a traffic stop on a white, GMC 1/2-ton pickup truck after ran a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Bowie Avenue and Clifton Street at about 1:40 a.m. However, when the deputy approached the bed of the truck, the driver peeled out and accelerated at a high rate of speed.
The deputy pursued the truck down Solomon Road at speeds nearly up to 100 mph, according to his report. The truck then stopped at the intersection of Barney Lane and a Hispanic male rolled out of the passenger side and ran through a field.
The truck then continued for another half mile until it came across another deputy’s vehicle just east of Montiereth Lane. The 14-year-old driver then left the truck in drive as he fled on foot south through a cotton field, allegedly tossing items as he went. A deputy jumped into the open door and stopped the truck and put it in park.
The juvenile was later caught in the field and held at gunpoint until he was placed in restraints.
Deputies later recovered a clear baggie with a green, leafy substance believed to be marijuana and numerous items that appeared to be stolen from the Green Star Clinic, including a grinder, several unopened CBD and vape pods, glass water pipes, pipes, wraps, and a large glass jar containing CBD hemp.
Deputies also located a hammer, duct tape, and several used nylon gloves in the truck.
The juvenile’s father arrived at the scene and advised that the youth did not have permission to use the truck, which belonged to the juvenile’s grandparents. The vehicle was then impounded.
The case was forwarded to prosecutors for review and charging.
