Sedona AZ (November 20, 2014) – On November 17, 2014, just after 2:00 in the afternoon, 20-year-old Joseph Hartzler from Phoenix was arrested near the KOA campground in Black Canyon City, Arizona.

Around 12:40 p.m. on November 17, 2014, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the Rock Springs Café, Old Black Canyon Highway in Black Canyon City, about two suspicious men loitering in the parking lot for hours. The first deputy arrived and found two men sitting in a white 1994 Lincoln Town car. After obtaining identification from one of the men (identified later as Hartzler), the deputy walked back to his vehicle to complete a records check. When the deputy distanced himself from the Town car, both males exited the car and ran to the rear of the Café, out of sight. After the license plate number was checked, it belonged to a car stolen from the Phoenix area.

Assisting YCSO deputies, Arizona Department of Public Safety officers arrived to search for the suspects.

During the search, a DPS officer saw a possible suspect crossing the east side of the Arizona Interstate 17 near a KOA campground and was able to detain him. The YCSO deputy, first on scene at the Café, identified the man as Joseph Hartzler, and placed him under arrest.

Hartzler refused to discuss any knowledge of the stolen vehicle or drugs found in his backpack and inside the Town car’s passenger compartment. The drugs found included marijuana and prescription narcotics. Hartzler was charged with Theft of Means of Transportation, Theft- Deprive Property or Services, Possession of Burglar Tools, Possess Narcotic Drug / Prescription Drug and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He remains in-custody on a $25,000 bond.

The Phoenix car owner was pleased to learn her vehicle had been recovered, and so promptly due to the joint effort of vigilant citizenry and effective law enforcement.

During the investigation, deputies were able to identify the second suspect for an arrest warrant. It is expected he will be in-custody soon.

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

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