A career felon was arrested in Arizona City for possession of dangerous drugs for sale and a weapons offense as a result of a report of an attempted auto theft. On Tuesday, April 8th, 2014, at 9:29 p.m. an individual called 9-1-1 to report a suspect was attempting to steal a 1987 Jeep Wrangler. The caller reported the suspect was using a screwdriver to try to start the vehicle in the parking lot of the Sun Lite Market, located in the 13000 block of S. Sunland Gin Rd., in the unincorporated area of Arizona City.
When deputies arrived in the parking lot they observed Brian Westhoven, age 50, from Eloy, leaning into the Jeep’s open driver’s side door. They also observed Lawanna Nabors, age 47, from Arizona City, standing outside the passenger side of the Jeep.When Brian and Lawanna saw the deputies, both subjects quickly walked away from the vehicle in opposite directions. Both were detained by the deputies.
After interviewing Brian, it was determined he is the owner of the Jeep. He claimed his girlfriend broke the ignition key in the ignition and he was attempting to start it with a screwdriver. While deputies interviewed Brian, they could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the Jeep’s interior, and noticed marijuana (11 grams) in a clear plastic baggy in the center console cup holder. A further search of the vehicle revealed a black bag containing methamphetamine (.6 grams), a digital scale and a meth pipe.
A search of Brian’s 1997 GMC truck which was also in the parking lot revealed a .22 caliber handgun, clear plastic baggies, and $7,000 dollars in cash. Brian has numerous past felony convictions and he is prohibited from being in possession of a firearm.
Brian was arrested booked into the Pinal County Jail for Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Possession of Dangerous Drugs for Sale, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale, Misconduct Involving Weapons (prohibited possessor in possession of a firearm), and Weapons Offense Involving Narcotics.
Lawanna was arrested and booked into the Pinal County jail on a felony probation warrant.
The vehicle, money and drugs were all seized.
Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “A concerned citizen thought he was watching a vehicle theft in progress and called 9-1-1 to report the crime. Deputies responded and were able to determine the vehicle belonged to Brian. During the course of their investigation, there was probable cause to believe Brian was involved with other felony offenses. Brian is a career criminal who has spent years behind bars already. Now he will realize his drug selling days are over.”