Contributed File Photo
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – Two juveniles were treated and released for minor injuries at Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center (MGRMC) on Saturday night after being in a UTV rollover on private property east of Safford.
The driver, a 15-year-old male, suffered a “scratch” to his face and did not visit the hospital. The registered owner was a front-seat passenger in the crash. He reported no injuries and did not want to press charges for any damage to his vehicle.
According to a Graham County Sheriff’s Office report, hospital staff reported the crash at about 6:38 p.m. after a 17-year-old female and a 12-year-old male arrived for treatment.
A deputy responded to the hospital and learned the crash reportedly took place on an ATV trail near Barney Lane by the Gila River. The parties also advised the driver was a 15-year-old male.
The deputy then made contact with the driver at his residence off S. Monterith Lane and noted no signs of impairment. The juvenile allegedly admitted to driving at the time of the crash and said he was on a trail on the north side of Highway 70 near the Gila River when one of his tires struck an object and caused it to flip on the driver’s side. The driver said all occupants were wearing their seatbelts during the crash. The chain of events was repeated by the passengers in the UTV.
