Jonathan Kip Medford was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon by the Jerome Police Department. Medford was a fugitive wanted in connection to the assault on a United States Forest Service Agent yesterday morning at approximately 10:30 a.m., near the Palatki Ruins off Forest Service Rd. 525D.
“I want to thank the Jerome Police Department for their swift action, which led to the apprehension of this violent criminal,” said Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes.
The Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) received a complaint about someone blocking the roadway to tour jeeps seven miles out on Forest Road 525 between Cottonwood and Sedona.
The LEO contacted two subjects, later identified as the 33-year-old Medford, and a 39-year-old female who was with him. The couple immediately became argumentative, and Medford was carrying a large knife in a sheath on his hip. After the suspect provided false identification, the LEO attempted to handcuff him. Medford refused to be detained and charged at the Forest Service LEO.
Medford allegedly grabbed onto the LEO’s duty firearm and was trying to remove it from the holster while the LEO was on the ground. The LEO then attempted to pursue, but lost sight of the suspect.
The Forest Service LEO received medical care from the fire department on scene.
“For the second time in a week we have had a police officer violently attacked when responding to a call for service here in Yavapai County. We as a civilized society cannot tolerate this total disregard for the rule of law,” said Rhodes. “Violent crimes against others are inexcusable. Attacks on public servants will never be tolerated. We will continue to use all resources working with all criminal justice partners to bring violent offenders to swift justice.”
Medford has an existing felony warrant with the Yavapai County Superior Court. Medford is now in custody of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.