Homeless to vacate camp on Pima County private property

On March 11, 2014, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Pima County deputies responded to a call in reference to the report of unwanted people at the location of Sunset Road and Silverbell Road. When deputies arrived, they met with a representative of the property owner, who directed them to homeless camps situated on the private property.

The representative requested assistance from deputies to make contact with the people and tell them to vacate the property. The private property had several “no trespassing” signs and fencing, where the homeless camps were located. The deputies made initial contact with the people, who were on the property without permission.

Four homeless camps were found, and the residents were told they would need to vacate. The trespassers could have been arrested immediately for refusing to leave, as reflected in the state law. Given the amount of personal belongings most of the homeless had, deputies were able to make further contact with the property owner, and the date was extended to Monday, March 17, 2014. The deputies were able to help coordinate assistance for moving and other community resources for the remaining trespassers that had not found anyone to help.

Since the deadline to vacate was extended, deputies will make contact with the property owner to assess if additional contact is needed for any people remaining. Those that remain on the property past the allowed time frame can be arrested for Criminal Trespassing the in 3rd Degree.