Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: The incident took place at the Speedway gas station in east Safford. Shown is a file photo of the Speedway gas station in Pima.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – A man “high (and) drugged up” was arrested and booked into the Graham County Adult Detention Facility for criminal damage Monday, Sept. 2.
According to a Safford Police report, Eric Flores, 36, admitted being under the influence of some type of drug while he was outside the Speedway gas station at 300 E. U.S. Highway 70 at about 3 a.m. when he perceived vehicles were chasing him. He said he attempted to get store employees’ attention by waving his arms at them, but when that didn’t happen, he threw rocks at the windows, breaking them.
However, authorities interviewed witnesses who were across the street utilizing a local business’ WiFi. The witnesses said they saw a woman walk across the gas station who was followed by a man – identified as Flores – and that they appeared to be arguing. They said they then saw Flores throw three rocks at the gas station’s windows.
After throwing the rocks, Flores crossed U.S. Highway 70 but then went back to the gas station, forcing a vehicle to swerve to miss him in the highway.
Flores was then transported to the jail and booked on a charge of criminal damage.
A couple of hours later, officers were dispatched at about 5:49 a.m. to the First Southern Baptist Church at 795 S. 1st Ave. regarding found property.
Upon arrival, a church staff member led the officer to where two duffle bags had been left. Inside the bags contained various articles of clothing, a wallet with identification for Eric Flores, and a syringe loaded with what appeared to be heroin was found next to the bags. The items were taken back to the Safford Police Department for safekeeping.
