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Deputy Cleared of Wrongdoing by County Attorney’s Office

Yavapai County Sheriff's Office Area Commands MapSedona AZ (May 29, 2015)On May 28, 2015, Sheriff Scott Mascher was notified by the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office that YCSO Deputy Jason Morgan has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the shooting death of Harvey Mullenax of Glendale, Arizona.

The finding was based on a review of the Arizona Department of Public Safety shooting investigation report and extensive supplemental documentation submitted. The conclusion of the County Attorney’s Office states that no evidence exists to indicate any wrongdoing on the part of Deputy Morgan.

From the report: “In the hours preceding his (the suspect’s) contact with Deputy Morgan, Mullenax committed the following crimes: use of methamphetamine, burglary, theft of means of transportation, unlawful flight, vehicular endangerment, and he drove in the wrong direction on I-17 at speeds over 100 miles per hour. Mullenax showed absolutely no regard for anyone that evening and Deputy Morgan was no exception.”

Regarding the confrontation, the report goes on to say: “Almost immediately upon contact, Mullenax attacked Deputy Morgan. Deputy Morgan suffered serious injuries including multiple fractures and a concussion during the assault. Mullenax took control of the Deputy’s patrol vehicle and put it in reverse with Deputy Morgan standing inside the open door. Deputy Morgan was forced to discharge his weapon to stop the assault.”

As indicated in an earlier release of information to the public, Mullenax was on parole from the Arizona Department of Corrections for Theft of Means of Transportation at the time of this incident, and had a parole violation warrant issued for his arrest.

Sheriff Mascher would like to thank the DPS investigators and County Attorney’s Office for their detailed review of the circumstances, which resulted in affirming Deputy Morgan’s actions were justified. The Sheriff has commended Deputy Morgan for utilizing his training, tactics and the will to survive in dealing with this violent suspect. The Deputy’s actions also prevented the suspect from further endangering the community had Mullenax been able to flee from the scene.

yavapai county sheriff officeThe following was issued on October 20, 2014:

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s office is providing the identity of the YCSO deputy and deceased suspect involved in the October 17, 2014, incident in Dewey, Arizona..

The YCSO deputy is Jason Morgan, 38, a 17-year veteran with YCSO. Per ARS 39-123, the Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing a photo of Deputy Morgan.

Sheriff Mascher thanks everyone for their prayers and support for Deputy Morgan who was released from the hospital on Saturday. Deputy Morgan still has several weeks of recovery ahead due to injuries sustained in the altercation.

The deceased suspect is identified as Harvey Mullenax, 31, of Glendale, Arizona. As previously indicated, Mullenax was on active parole out of the Phoenix area at the time of the incident.

The shooting investigation is being handled by the Department of Public Safety’s Special Investigations Unit. The YCSO cannot comment further on the case while the investigation by DPS is underway.

On October 17, 2014, the following was released to the public:

Late last night, YCSO deputies were positioned on AZ Highway 169 and South River Drive, Dewey, Arizona, attempting to locate a stolen vehicle involved in an earlier Interstate 17 pursuit with DPS officers. Just after midnight, a YCSO deputy spotted a suspicious man and possible suspect walking near Highway 169. When the deputy attempted to contact him, the suspect ran.

The deputy eventually caught up with the suspect in a nearby commercial parking area where the suspect attacked him. During the fight, the suspect entered the driver’s side of the deputy’s patrol vehicle in an apparent effort to escape as the deputy continued attempts to subdue the suspect. During the struggle, the patrol vehicle began moving with the open door striking the deputy. As the altercation continued and fearing for his life, the deputy shot the suspect. The patrol vehicle came to rest after striking a tree. An assisting deputy in the area arrived quickly and the suspect was placed in handcuffs.

Both the deputy and suspect were treated by EMS personnel at the scene.

The deputy sustained significant injuries to his face and upper body during the fight and contact with the vehicle and was flown to a Phoenix area hospital where he remains in serious, but stable condition.

The suspect, in his early 30s, was transported to the Yavapai Regional Medical Center east campus and eventually flown to a Phoenix area hospital where he later died.

DPS officers have indicated this suspect was the same person involved in the earlier vehicle pursuit on I-17. Following a search of the area around Highway 169 and South River Drive, the stolen vehicle was found less than a half mile away. The suspect had apparently hidden the stolen vehicle just prior to contact with the deputy. An initial records check indicates the suspect was on parole and had a warrant issued due to parole violations.

Per YCSO policy, the name of the YCSO deputy will not be released until a 48 hour window has expired. The suspect’s name is being withheld pending verification of his identity and next of kin notification. The DPS Special Investigations Unit (SIU) will be handling the review of this incident and SIU detectives arrived early this morning to begin their investigation.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260.

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