On Tuesday, July 22nd, 2014 at 8:00 a.m. a Pinal County Sheriff’s Deputy on routine patrol noticed a 2002 Cadillac Sedan, being driven at a high rate of speed. The driver was later identified as Marcos Utimio Turner, age 31, from Casa Grande. The deputy observed the vehicle drift off the roadway onto the shoulder of north bound North Thornton Road, north of West Cottonwood Lane in the city of Casa Grande.
The deputy who was traveling south bound on North Thornton Road turned around and began following the vehicle. The driver accelerated attempting to avoid contact with the deputy. After the deputy activated his red and blue emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle accelerated to 85 miles per hour and the driver began running red lights, weaving in and out of traffic, and driving recklessly. The pursuit came to an end as the vehicle pulled into a business in the 10,000 block of north Pinal Avenue, Casa Grande.
Turner refused commands from deputies but eventually opened the door and slowly exited the vehicle. While being taken into custody Turner began resisting deputies and continued to fail to obey verbal command and a taser had to be deployed.
After being taken into custody deputies located 12.6 Grams of Methamphetamine and a digital scale in the vehicle. Turner appeared to be under the influence of drugs and was taken to a Casa Grande area hospital for medical evaluation.
While on scene a family member of Turner’s arrived and stated he had been released from the Arizona Department of Correction in February 2013 where he served time on charges of Manslaughter.
Turner was arrested and charged with Unlawful Flight from Pursuing Law Enforcement Vehicle, Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Possession of Dangerous Drugs for Sale, Resisting Arrest, and Reckless Driving.
Turner was processed for driving under the Influence of a Drug and further charges may follow once toxicology results are available. The 2002 Cadillac Sedan was seized.
Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “Marcos Turner fled from deputies while under the influence of drugs, he showed disregard for all other motorists while driving excessive speeds and running red lights. Criminals like Marcos Turner never learn and must be removed from society to protect our law abiding citizens.”