ARIZONA NEWS

Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from Dec. 10-12

Dec 12, 2021, 6:00 PM

(John Moore/Getty Images)...

(John Moore/Getty Images)

(John Moore/Getty Images)

PHOENIX — Department of Public Safety troopers in southern Arizona seized more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine in a single day, a burglary suspect from Chandler was arrested for the second time in one month and Phoenix police are looking for the driver of a sedan that was involved in fatal car accident.

Here are some of the biggest stories that headlined the Arizona news cycle over the weekend.


DPS troopers seize over 235 pounds of meth in 24 hours in southern Arizona

Troopers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety seized over 235 pounds of methamphetamine during a 24-hour operation in the southern part of the state earlier this week.

DPS troopers and the Arizona National Guard took in 237 pounds of meth and made three arrests on drug-related charges on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The drugs were valued at $1.54 million.


Chandler ‘career criminal’ arrested for second time in a month

A burglary suspect was arrested Wednesday on multiple counts of commercial burglary for the second time in a month, authorities said.

Charles Payne was previously arrested on Nov. 10 for five counts of 3rd degree burglary and was booked into the Maricopa County Jail, the Chandler Police Department said in a press release.

He was released the following day and began victimizing businesses in Chandler off Arizona Avenue from Pecos to Ocotillo roads within 15 days, according to police.

Payne entered two restaurants, one coffee shop and a grocery store between Nov. 26 to Dec. 1.


Driver dies in car crash where suspect fled the scene on foot

Phoenix police are searching for the driver of a sedan that struck and killed a driver of a pickup truck in the area of 75th Avenue and Williams Street.

Officer learned of the crash when a pickup truck headed southbound on 75th Avenue was hit by a sedan who failed to stop at a stop sign causing a collision, according to police.

The driver of the sedan fled the scene on foot.

The driver of the pickup truck, 55-year-old Lewis Kemp, suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene.


DPS Director Silbert moved by hug from young migrant boy at Yuma border

Arizona Department of Public Safety Director Col. Heston Silbert said he was moved by a hug from a young migrant boy during a press conference held near the border in Yuma on Wednesday.

The child walked up to Silbert and embraced him in the middle of media availability led by Gov. Doug Ducey, who was addressing a surge of migrants coming to Yuma in recent days.

Silbert told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show on Friday the moment was unexpected.


Zoppé Italian Family Circus back in town at Rawhide in Chandler

The Zoppé Italian Family Circus is back in town this month with a series of family-friendly performances in Chandler.

The 179-year-old troupe is scheduled for 18 shows on eight dates from Friday to Dec. 19 at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center (5700 W. North Loop Road, near Wild Horse Pass).

The one-ring circus takes place inside a round tent, with trapeze artists, clowns, aerial hoops, contortionists, jugglers, fire dancers and more.

We want to hear from you.

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Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from Dec. 10-12