Arizona DPS Director Milstead gets warning for driving over 90 mph
Dec 4, 2019, 4:57 PM | Updated: 6:01 pm
PHOENIX – Col. Frank Milstead, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, got off with a warning after being pulled over for driving faster than 90 mph in northern Arizona recently.
On Wednesday, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office released body camera footage of the Oct. 12 stop on Interstate 17 near Camp Verde.
“The reason I stopped you is guys are going about over 90 mph, weaving through traffic, not using you guys’ turn signals,” the deputy said after approaching Milstead’s SUV on the passenger side.
As Milstead dug out his registration and insurance at the deputy’s request, Milstead’s fiancée, Angela Harrolle, who was in the passenger seat, explained that they were heading to Flagstaff to take part in a memorial hike for her late husband.
Bruce Harrolle was a DPS officer and paramedic who was fatally injured by helicopter’s rotor blades during a search and rescue mission in 2008, according to the DPS website.
Milstead also offered up his DPS identification card, revealing himself as the department’s director.
After calling in the stop on his car’s radio, the deputy returned to Milstead and issued the warning.
“I appreciate the break. I’m sorry to bother you,” Milstead said.
Milstead issued the following statement about the incident Wednesday:
On Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019 at 4:55PM I was stopped for speeding by a deputy of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. Unquestionably I was speeding and the deputy’s decision to stop me was valid. As with any traffic stop, the deputy requested my information and I provided it. During our conversation, my fiancée explained we were traveling to an annual memorial for her late husband who was killed in the line of duty 11 years ago. As they spoke, I realized I had not identified myself as a law enforcement officer, as I have been trained to do since the academy. I provided the deputy with my professional identification. The deputy then conducted a proper records check, after which he allowed me to proceed with an educational warning. Warnings take place on at least a third of all traffic stops conducted by various agencies. I recognize the seriousness of the speeding violation for which I was stopped, and I am deeply regretful. Irrespective of my position, my adherence to all laws is imperative and on the day in question I was in violation. I hold the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office & Sheriff Scott Mascher in high regard. The deputy in this case was very professional. This is certainly a regrettable event for me and one for which I will reflect and learn.
