Flagstaff – A tipsy motorist and two out of control protesters were arrested on July 25 by Flagstaff Police.
According to the Flagstaff Police Department, a group of 75-100 protesters gathered at Franklin and San Francisco. The group started marching through the Southside neighborhood in the roadway toward the downtown area, fully obstructing San Francisco Street and Beaver Street during their march. The protest group marched on to W Route 66 from City Hall and occupied both directions of travel from W Route 66 to S Milton Rd. The group marched to E Butler Ave where they blocked the entire roadway as they marched east to San Francisco where they turned north, again blocking the road.
As the protest group approached the train tracks on S San Francisco Street, an SUV driven by James Kleinhenz, age 51, reportedly stopped in the intersection of E Route 66 and N San Francisco. Witnesses reported that Kleinhenz “flipped off” the protest crowd with two hands, as they approached the intersection, prompting the group to surround the SUV.
Protesters reportedly opened the vehicle doors and removed belongings from the vehicle, to include the keys and Mr. Kleinhenz’s cell phone. One protester, identified as a juvenile, broke the cell phone with his skateboard. The vehicle keys and cell phone were thrown onto the roof of the Crystal Magic business.
According to witnesses, Kleinhenz reportedly exited the vehicle with a handgun held at his side, which was quickly taken by officers on scene. Protesters reportedly threw eggs and at least one large rock at the vehicle; while also attempting to break windows of the vehicle with a blunt object. During contact with police, Kleinhenz reportedly displayed signs and symptoms of being intoxicated, prompting a driving while intoxicated investigation. Protesters occupied the intersection around the SUV for approximately 15 minutes until the SUV was towed away from the scene.
Taymond Tolthe, 24, of Flagstaff was arrested for 3rd Degree Burglary, Criminal Damage, Obstructing a Highway / Public Thoroughfare, Refusing to Provide Truthful Name, and Disorderly Conduct as a result of this investigation. Tolthe was additionally charged with Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest. The juvenile was charged with Felony Criminal Damage.
Kleinhenz was arrested for Driving While Impaired to the Slightest Degree and also charged with Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .08 or Higher.