Contributed Photo/Courtesy GCSO: Elvis Lee Gates III was booked into the jail on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – Elvis has left the building . . . and gone to jail.
Elvis Lee Gates III, 56, was arrested and booked into the Graham County Adult Detention Facility on July 24 on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Gates allegedly caused a commotion at a Graham County Community Action fresh produce event meant to assist tenants of the Sunshine Valley Apartments at 1901 S. 20th Ave.
The Sunshine apartments are subsidized for elderly (62 or older) and handicapped/disabled renters with rent based on income. Units range from studio to two-bedroom.
Authorities were dispatched at about 10:44 a.m. to the apartments after Gates allegedly showed up at the event despite a member working the event’s wife having an order of protection against him. The worker said Gates was informed by the apartment manager that he could not be there while the person with the order of protection against him was there and to come back later. However, Gates allegedly began causing a disturbance, including yelling and pointing at the parties.
Upon arrival, an officer was informed Gates had gone back to his apartment, however, as the officer walked back to his vehicle a person advised that Gates had returned.
The officer intercepted Gates near the produce table area and reported Gates “immediately became loud and defensive.” During their interaction, the officer reported Gates became irate and threw a water bottle toward the produce table.
When the officer attempted to take Gates into custody, the suspect allegedly began yelling obscenities at the officer and a backup officer and resisted arrest. The report stated that Gates refused to cooperate and had to be carried to a patrol vehicle.
Gates was then transported to the jail and booked without further incident.
