Joshua Stratford arrested
Sedona AZ (April 29, 2013) – On April 27, 2013, at approximately 7:30 PM, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to campgrounds in the Fossil Creek area regarding a domestic violence assault.
While driving to the area, deputies encountered a vehicle containing the victim, her son, and two others who were fleeing. The victim indicated her son’s father, identified as 28-year-old Joshua Stratford from Prescott Valley, had assaulted her in front of their 7-year-old son. During the argument at the campground, Stratford picked up the victim and threw her to the ground where she struck her head on a rock and lost consciousness momentarily. When a male family member tried to intervene, the victim saw Stratford show a handgun and he started shooting in their direction. The group was able to get to the victim’s vehicle and leave.
Deputies, aided by GPS coordinates from the 911 call and within five miles of the location, were able to locate the campsite near Childs Power Road. Deputies approached the only tent at the site and found the suspect sleeping inside. Stratford was arrested and denied currently possessing a handgun, claiming he put the weapon into the victim’s vehicle before she drove away.
The victim had previously informed the deputies that she saw Stratford toss the gun into the woods before they fled. A search of the campsite and surrounding wilderness for the gun was unsuccessful.
Stratford was booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center on charges including Aggravated Assaulted per Domestic Violence, Endangerment (3 counts), Possession of Firearm by Prohibited Possessor, and Disorderly Conduct. He has since been released by the court on his own recognizance pending further court proceedings.
The following day, an off-duty deputy was camping in the area and with the benefit of daylight, located the handgun used by this suspect. The firearm was recovered and submitted as evidence from the incident.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260.
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How did this scum get out and why is the judge who let him out not being questioned about that decision ? Is shooting or threatening to shoot at a woman and kid and others ok with cops and judges in AZ ? bet they thought she & the others “brought it on themselves” !