Sheriff Mark Dannels warns of risky high‑speed pursuits, outlines county programs
June 19, 2026 | Cochise County, Arizona
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Sheriff Mark Dannels of the Cochise County Sheriff's Office urged residents to "be vigilant" after describing recent law‑enforcement pursuits tied to smuggling and public‑safety risks and used the program to preview several county outreach initiatives.
Dannels told listeners the office recently pursued a vehicle carrying two juveniles alleged to have smuggled eight people from New Mexico; the vehicle crashed, the juveniles were taken into custody and charged with endangerment, smuggling and kidnapping, and eight people were taken to hospitals and were "determined to be illegal in the country," he said. "We ended up charging both juveniles for endangerment, smuggling, also kidnapping," Dannels said.
The sheriff said pursuits are sometimes so dangerous that Border Patrol has disengaged when speeds exceed safe limits. "We had another pursuit at 100 miles an hour. Border Patrol started that one. Ended up disengaging 'cuz it got so unsafe," he said, adding that the office is monitoring an uptick in such incidents.
Beyond recent incidents, Dannels used the broadcast to highlight local programs and partnerships. He announced Cochise County will host the inaugural Western States Sheriffs Leadership Academy at Cochise College, a 80‑hour program bringing about 22 sheriffs and chief deputies to the county. He also said a free Youth Academy involving the Sierra Vista Police Department and Cochise County Sheriff's Office will host 27 high‑school students for weeklong leadership and team‑building activities.
Dannels thanked local partners — including Cochise College and federal agencies — and described donation efforts to provide duffel bags, bedding and small comfort items for out‑of‑town academy attendees. He also previewed a Fort Huachuca safety fair open to community members and described a monthly Team Advisor Group meeting to vet key personnel, including an incoming chief of staff.
On traffic safety, Dannels recounted a stop on state Route 92 where a car was traveling about 32–33 mph in a 55 mph zone and called slow, obstructive driving dangerous, referring listeners to an "impeding" law against unreasonably slow operation on highways.
Dannels closed by urging caution over the holiday weekend and reminding listeners to report emergencies to 911. "Be vigilant on that," he said. "Drive within reasonability."
The Sheriff's Office can be reached at 520‑432‑9500 and online at cochise.az.gov/sheriff for non‑emergencies and further information.
Dannels told listeners the office recently pursued a vehicle carrying two juveniles alleged to have smuggled eight people from New Mexico; the vehicle crashed, the juveniles were taken into custody and charged with endangerment, smuggling and kidnapping, and eight people were taken to hospitals and were "determined to be illegal in the country," he said. "We ended up charging both juveniles for endangerment, smuggling, also kidnapping," Dannels said.
The sheriff said pursuits are sometimes so dangerous that Border Patrol has disengaged when speeds exceed safe limits. "We had another pursuit at 100 miles an hour. Border Patrol started that one. Ended up disengaging 'cuz it got so unsafe," he said, adding that the office is monitoring an uptick in such incidents.
Beyond recent incidents, Dannels used the broadcast to highlight local programs and partnerships. He announced Cochise County will host the inaugural Western States Sheriffs Leadership Academy at Cochise College, a 80‑hour program bringing about 22 sheriffs and chief deputies to the county. He also said a free Youth Academy involving the Sierra Vista Police Department and Cochise County Sheriff's Office will host 27 high‑school students for weeklong leadership and team‑building activities.
Dannels thanked local partners — including Cochise College and federal agencies — and described donation efforts to provide duffel bags, bedding and small comfort items for out‑of‑town academy attendees. He also previewed a Fort Huachuca safety fair open to community members and described a monthly Team Advisor Group meeting to vet key personnel, including an incoming chief of staff.
On traffic safety, Dannels recounted a stop on state Route 92 where a car was traveling about 32–33 mph in a 55 mph zone and called slow, obstructive driving dangerous, referring listeners to an "impeding" law against unreasonably slow operation on highways.
Dannels closed by urging caution over the holiday weekend and reminding listeners to report emergencies to 911. "Be vigilant on that," he said. "Drive within reasonability."
The Sheriff's Office can be reached at 520‑432‑9500 and online at cochise.az.gov/sheriff for non‑emergencies and further information.
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