Staff Reports
SAFFORD — A local man suffered multiple fractures, including a reported head injury, after his four-wheeler rolled over on a steep hill northwest of the Discovery Park water tower Monday evening, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 6:54 p.m. on May 25. Thomas Middlebrook, the driver and sole occupant of a red Can-Am Outlander ATV, was ejected from the vehicle when it overturned.
According to a sheriff’s report, Middlebrook’s wife called 911 after the crash. She told dispatchers her husband had a head injury and was not wearing a helmet. She told deputies she had gotten off the ATV before her husband attempted to drive up and down the steep hill, after which the vehicle rolled over, ejecting him. She said she had to pull him out from underneath the four-wheeler.
Deputy Larrabee arrived first and found Middlebrook awake and breathing. A responding deputy noted a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Middlebrook as he lay next to the overturned ATV, which was facing west.
Lifeline Ambulance crews provided medical aid at the scene. Middlebrook was transported to Mt. Graham Regional Hospital for further treatment of his injuries, which include multiple fractures.
A witness told deputies he was in the area watching the sunset when he saw a large cloud of dust and located Middlebrook on the ground next to the four-wheeler. Tire marks observed by deputies showed the ATV traveling southbound down the hill before turning north, consistent with a rollover.
Following the crash, Deputy Larrabee obtained a search warrant for a blood sample from Middlebrook and he was processed for driving under the influence.
No other vehicles were involved, and the incident remains under investigation by the Graham County Sheriff’s Office.
