Prescott Valley AZ (September 9, 2012) – At approximately 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2012 officers and detectives from the Prescott Valley Police Department along with CYFD HazMat crews responded to a report of the location of what appeared to be a human foot found in the waste disposal site by workers sorting trash. Upon initial examination, the foot appeared to be a human foot.

Investigators sought out the assistance of a forensic pathologist who examined photos of the foot and provided information that further supported the belief that the foot was indeed human. Because of the hazards involve in this type of a search, CYFD HazMat experts and specialists assisted with the planning and execution of the methodical search. Staff at the waste disposal site were able to assist investigators in narrowing down the area where the remains likely came from.

Investigators and search crews began searching amongst tons of trash on site. During the initial stages of the search, additional items were located that further strengthened the belief that investigators were dealing with human remains. Further into the search area, search team members located items wrapped in a bag that were examined thoroughly, and determined to likely be remains from a bear.

After examining the paws from the bear, investigators determined that they were similar to the foot that was found and reported. Detectives returned to the PVPD evidence area to further examine the foot and compare it to the remains from the bear. After examination of the foot and further research, detectives believe that the foot was more likely a bear paw, and not human remains.

Investigators working on the location of possible human remains at a waste disposal site in Prescott Valley, Arizona now believe that the appendage found was not from a human. The search of the disposal site was completed and all evidentiary items will be sent to the lab for examination and positive identification. At this time, the Prescott Valley Police Department detectives have the investigation on hold while awaiting the results from the lab.

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