Staff Reports
SAFFORD — A Graham County man who called authorities late Sunday night to report a group of javelina surrounding his tent ended up in custody after deputies discovered he had several outstanding warrants.
According to a report from the Graham County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 10:49 p.m. when Leroy Frank Farnsworth contacted dispatch from the area of West Old Reclamation Way and North 8th Avenue near Safford. Farnsworth, who identified himself as the complainant and contact, reported that he was inside a blue tent at the end of Old Reclamation Way. He described a group of javelina encircling his tent. He was attempting to hold back his dogs and claimed the animals were preventing him from leaving safely. Farnsworth reportedly refused to contact Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife officials and specifically requested law enforcement assistance.
Dispatch logs indicate the call was initially classified as an animal problem. Farnsworth told the dispatcher he was blowing a whistle to deter the javelina. The nature of the call then changed when it was reclassified to a “Wanted Person” incident.
A Graham County deputy responded to the location near the N. 8th Ave Bridge. At approximately 10:49 p.m., the deputy contacted Farnsworth, who verbally admitted his identity. Deputies confirmed Farnsworth had three active warrants issued by Graham County courts for Aggressive Dog with a $200 secured bond; for County Dog Ordinance violation and Aggressive Dog under ARS with a $250 cash bond, and for Cruelty to Mistreat Animal and Failure to Appear, with a $500 cash bond.
All warrants were issued by judges in the Graham County Justice Court.
Farnsworth was arrested on scene without incident and transported to the Graham County Adult Detention Facility, where the warrants were confirmed and signed off, and he was booked into the facility.
Javelina, also known as collared peccaries, are native to southern Arizona, including areas around Safford in Graham County. They are known to travel in herds and can become bold when seeking food or water, occasionally approaching campsites or residential areas. Wildlife experts recommend maintaining distance and contacting the Arizona Game and Fish Department for non-emergency encounters rather than law enforcement.
The Sheriff’s Office did not release further details about the dogs involved or the circumstances leading to the animal-related charges.
