Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: A woman was taken in for a mental health assessment after being seen yelling and throwing items from her front porch while naked. Shown is the Graham County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Facility.
By Jon Johnson
GRAHAM COUNTY – Some may see law enforcement as catching criminals and keeping the community safe. Others may see law enforcement in a different light. In actuality, especially in rural communities, law enforcement officers end up wearing a lot of different hats.
On Sunday, deputies with the Graham County Sheriff’s Office put on their mental health professional hats when they received a call regarding a welfare check of an unclothed woman screaming on her front porch and throwing items.
Authorities were dispatched at about 8:32 p.m. to a residence on North Shiflet Avenue regarding the disturbance and upon arrival noticed several pieces of broken furniture.
Deputies also were drawn to a loud pounding sound as if items were being thrown and slammed, according to a Graham County Sheriff’s Office report.
Eventually, deputies encountered the occupant, who by that time was leaning against a couch covered only in a sheet.
Deputies managed to begin a conversation with the occupant. Authorities advised it was unclear if the woman was under the influence of any type of drug and requested an evaluation by paramedics. The occupant unlocked her front door, and deputies provided her with a blanket to better cover herself until clothing was located.
After being fully clothed, deputies escorted the woman out of the residence toward paramedics but she became frightened of them. They eventually calmed her down and transported her to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for further evaluation.
