Update from 1/31/19
Williams AZ – On January
30 around 12:18 in the afternoon, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and
the Williams Police Department initiated a traffic stop on Matthew Solan who
was wanted for questioning related to a report of aggravated assault and
kidnapping. The traffic stop was made on
eastbound Route 66 in Williams, AZ. During
the traffic stop the driver and another passenger exited the vehicle, but Solan
barricaded himself in the vehicle.
Earlier in the
day, around 10:17 am, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of aggravated
assault and kidnapping. The reporting
party told deputies that Matthew Solan had used a gun to hold him against his
will on the evening of January 28 in the Junipine Estates area north of Williams,
AZ.
Sheriff’s Deputies and Williams Police Officers were attempting to locate Solan
to interview him when Solan’s vehicle was seen at several businesses in the downtown
Williams area. Solan was seen going to
Footworks and then entered his vehicle along with two other individuals. At that time, Sheriff’s Deputies along with
Williams PD Officers initiated a traffic stop and attempted to contact Solan.
The driver and
other occupant exited the vehicle, but Solan refused to
exit and barricaded himself in the vehicle.
Officers began to set up a perimeter in the area. Barricades and stop sticks were placed to attempt
to stop Solan from driving away or responding in a way that may possibly
endanger others in the area. Schools and
businesses in the nearby area were placed in lock down to further provide
public safety. The Flagstaff Police
Department’s Joint Northern Arizona Tactical Team and negotiator also responded
to assist.
At approximately
6:30 pm, Solan placed the gun next to his leg and shot himself in the leg. Solan exited the vehicle and surrendered himself. Solan was treated by medics on scene. He was transported by Lifeline Medical to the Flagstaff
Medical Center for further treatment.
Solan was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility on offenses
including Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Weapons Violations, Resisting Arrest,
and Probation Violation.
Barricades and closures remained in effect during the follow up investigation
and were lifted approximately 7 pm.
The investigation
is on-going and no further information is available at this time.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office thanks the public and Williams community
for their cooperation during this incident.
It was vital to have the public’s cooperation and understanding of the
life safety measures that were taken to keep the area clear while responders
negotiated with the barricaded person. Thank you again for your cooperation.
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Media Release as of 1/30/19, 2:39 pm
Williams, AZ – Coconino County Sheriff’s Office along with Williams Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Northern Arizona Tactical Team are currently on scene of an armed subject, barricaded inside his vehicle in the area of the Safeway grocery store in Williams, AZ. At this time, no shots have been fired. There are no reports of injuries. A perimeter has been established and negotiations with the person are ongoing.
Law enforcement are asking that the public avoid the area. We will provide further information as it becomes available.
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