Man Arrested After ATV Pursuit Near Safford

Authorities say the suspect initially fled from a deputy before eventually stopping and being taken into custody.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:21am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged ATV tire tread, with the textured rubber and dirt captured in dramatic detail against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the dangers of an off-road vehicle pursuit.A damaged ATV tire tread captured in stark detail reflects the risks and challenges of rural law enforcement pursuits.Safford Today

A 56-year-old man was arrested in Graham County, Arizona, after allegedly leading a sheriff's deputy on a brief pursuit while riding an ATV. The incident occurred on March 28 when the deputy attempted to stop the driver, Gary Hess, for a traffic violation. Hess initially fled, reaching speeds up to 50 mph, before eventually stopping and being taken into custody on a charge of unlawful flight from a pursuing law enforcement vehicle.

Why it matters

ATV pursuits can pose significant risks to both law enforcement and the public, making it important for authorities to respond appropriately to such incidents. This case highlights the challenges deputies face in rural areas when encountering uncooperative drivers.

The details

According to the Graham County Sheriff's Office, the deputy was on routine patrol when he observed Hess operating the ATV westbound on State Route 366. Hess allegedly made an evasive turn onto a residential street, prompting the deputy to attempt a traffic stop. Hess then accelerated, ran a stop sign, and continued fleeing until the deputy activated his lights and siren. Hess eventually stopped near the intersection of Cheyenne Drive and State Route 366, where he was taken into custody without further incident.

  • The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on March 28.
  • Hess was booked into the Graham County Adult Detention Facility on Saturday, March 28.

The players

Gary Hess

A 56-year-old man who was arrested and charged with unlawful flight from a pursuing law enforcement vehicle.

Graham County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the ATV pursuit incident.

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What they’re saying

“C'mon, man, you're really going to take me to jail.”

— Gary Hess

“if I was going to run, I would've just taken off.”

— Gary Hess

What’s next

Hess is expected to appear in court in the coming days to face the unlawful flight charge.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the risks associated with ATV pursuits and the importance of drivers complying with law enforcement directives to avoid endangering themselves and others. It also underscores the challenges rural deputies face when encountering uncooperative individuals.