Sedona AZ (February 17, 2014) – On February 9, 2014, around 9 PM, a Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a silver colored motorcycle crashed on the side of Cornville Road in the area of mile marker 7, Cornville, Arizona. As the deputy exited his vehicle to investigate, a motorist approached and advised the deputy that, when she offered aid, the biker’s breath smelled of alcohol.

As the deputy approached, the biker got on his motorcycle and started its motor. Ignoring orders from the deputy to dismount, the rider looked directly at the deputy, grinned, and rode off. The deputy began a pursuit and caught up to the motorcycle rider on Cornville Road.

The motorcyclist attempted to wave the deputy around but the deputy, for the safety of the biker and other cars on the road, followed and requested aid. The biker entered Arizona Interstate 17 South and accelerated to speeds of at least 70 mph. A Department of Public Safety Officer in the area answered the call to assist, and eventually stopped the rider near SR Highway 260 on I-17. The rider, James O’Donnell, 48, from Black Canyon City (AZ) was detained by deputies who immediately detected the odor of alcohol on his breath.

O’Donnell admitted avoiding law enforcement because he had been drinking beer at a Cornville bar before the Cornville Road accident. His speech was slurred and he appeared disoriented. O’Donnell was placed under arrest for DUI and Unlawful Flight from Pursuing Law Enforcement Vehicle (a felony) by YCSO.

During booking at the Camp Verde Detention Center, deputies obtained a breath sample from O’Donnell that measured .203 –more than twice the legal limit. As a result, the Extreme DUI classification was charged during booking. He remains in-custody on a $7500 bond.

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

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