KCYN-KCPX News Mon 24 Sept2012

MONTICELLO — San Juan County prosecutors say they may not be able to pursue criminal charges against an Arizona man accused of killing another man in a drunk-driving crash.
Erik H. Yazzie, 32, of Phoenix, is charged in 7th District Court with automobile homicide, a second-degree felony; DUI, a third-degree felony; theft by receiving stolen property, a class A misdemeanor; and improper lane travel, a class C misdemeanor.
But in court records filed earlier this month, San Juan County Attorney Craig Halls wrote it may be impossible to prosecute Yazzie because of the lasting injuries he suffered in the April 21 crash that killed Filemon "Phil" Montoya of Sweetwater, Texas.
"The current reports that have been shared with us indicate that (Yazzie's) memory is impaired, his problem-solving skills are impaired and his safety awareness is impaired," Halls wrote in a motion to recall a $15,000 warrant for Yazzie's arrest.


>>Man Arrested In E. Millcreek; No Bombs Found

(Millcreek, UT) -- A man who kept police at bay in East Millcreek is finally in custody after he's taken by force by officers. Authorities say no bombs were found at the home near 31-hundred East and Del Mar Drive where 47-year-old David Baker was arrested. The "Tribune" said Baker was donning a mini dress when officers took him from his home later yesterday evening. Officers used a tactical vehicle to break through the front door of Baker's home after reports surfaced he had set up an intricate network of wires, live explosives and propane tanks. Several dozen homes nearby had to be evacuated during the standoff.
Police say Baker has been on local and federal watch lists because of his declining mental state and that Unified Police officers had made several welfare checks within the last few months after Baker made dangerous threats.
Baker has an extensive online presence, including multiple YouTube accounts where he claims to speak to God, posts apocalyptic messages and appears to be running a write-in campaign for president with God as his vice-president. He often refers to himself as a reverend and the “Demon Angel of Honesty.”

>>Two Uintah Jail Escapees Captured In Nebraska

(Vernal, UT) -- Two escaped inmates from a Utah jail are back in custody today after they're re-captured in Nebraska. Authorities say Dallas Derrick and Jason Braham were apprehended yesterday morning by Sheriff's deputies working near Lincoln, Nebraska. The escapees were on the lam from Uintah County Jail since Wednesday the day they allegedly escaped through a maintenance closet. Deputies in Nebraska say they grew suspicious of the men after their stories didn't jibe during routine questioning.

>>Tongan Church Upset Over Rev's Suspension

(West Valley City, UT) -- Members of a Tongan church in West Valley City are protesting the suspension of their leader. The "Tribune" says people with Tongan United Methodist Church still don't know the circumstances which led the Reverend Havili Mone to be suspended by the church's Denver-based bishop. Members yesterday stood outside the church on West Crystal Avenue in protest of Mone's 90-day suspension. Members also tell the paper they've been prohibited by the church's temporary pastor from the entering the church premises.

>>Brigham City Temple Dedicated

(Brigham City, UT) -- The President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicates a new temple in Brigham City during a weekend cornerstone ceremony. President Boyd Packer presided over yesterday's ceremony at the new Mormon church. It's the state of Utah's 14th temple and 139th around the world.
>>Inmate Who Won Court Award Dies

(Undated) -- The Utah Department of Corrections is expressing its condolences over the death of an inmate. Twenty-nine-year-old Priscilla Elizabeth Chavez was found dead Friday and an autopsy is being done. Chavez sued and received a one-point-four million dollar award after being sexually assaulted by a Corrections officer and was afraid of retaliation. The "Salt Lake Tribune" reports Levi Hughes with Unified Police says her medical history was "complicated." The family says she was on suicide watch and they say they don't understand how the death could have happened while she was under constant surveillance.

>>Lesser Charge Against Man In Brother's Shooting

(Nephi, UT) -- A judge says the evidence is not showing a Weber County man knew a "cartridge was in the firing chamber" when he accidentally shot and killed his teen brother. The "Salt Lake Tribune" reports the judge ruled prosecutors didn't prove Eric Charlton was reckless in the death of 17-year-old Cameron Charlton. Prosecutors are now able to change the second degree felony to a misdemeanor negligent homicide charge. Charlton's also accused of misdemeanor reckless endangerment and carrying a weapon under the influence of alcohol.

>>Company Wants Phone Service Cut To Obscene Caller

(Undated) -- A Utah company is going to federal court to cut the phone service of an obscene caller. Sorenson Communications says a man is calling its female workers and other times leaves voicemail messages. The caller has claimed to be a customer and has given what is thought to be a phony name. Sorenson Communications offers phone services for clients who are speech and hearing impaired.

>>Loud Music Becomes Bigger Issue

(West Point, UT) -- A West Point man is accused of assaulting a police office, resisting arrest, intoxication and other charges and it all started with a complaint of loud music. Davis County deputies asked the man to turn down the music at the man's apartment. They say he threatened them with his dogs, held a rifle and for nine hours refused to come outside. He was arrested early Sunday after police used tear gas to get him out.