As previously reported, around 11:45 PM Thursday night, 24-year-old Attempted Homicide suspect Jason Niedermeyer turned himself into deputies outside his home in the in the Juniper Wood Ranch subdivision south of Ashfork. YCSO dispatch had received a 911 call from Jason and he was transferred to a YCSO negotiator on scene who arranged the surrender. During the conversation, Jason admitted his role in shooting the YCSO volunteer. Over the next 30 minutes, 5 additional persons including the suspect’s mother and father and a 5-year-old child, were detained without incident. Once the location was secured, a search warrant was issued allowing YCSO detectives to conduct a full investigation on the Niedermeyer property.
Preliminary indications are that the 70-year-old volunteer may have been intentionally lured to the property by the actions of the speeding quad driver and then ambushed. Although VIPs cannot take law enforcement action, the volunteer simply intended on locating the quad owner’s property for later follow-up. It is estimated that over 20 rounds from a high-powered rifle were fired towards the patrol vehicle with 3 of those rounds striking the volunteer in the pelvic region while he was outside his vehicle. Even though shot, our VIP was able to return to his patrol vehicle and drive out of the area under fire while requesting assistance. The volunteer completed successful surgery last night at Flagstaff Medical Center and is recovering. Injuries are not life-threatening. Sheriff Mascher noted the volunteer acted with valor and commended his will to survive during the assault. Initial information indicates Jason was driving the speeding quad.
YCSO deployed its armored tactical vehicle which was a significant factor in providing a measure of safety to SWAT teams deploying on the property under high threat conditions.
During an initial canvass of the property and its many out buildings after the residents were removed, detectives located numerous firearms including a .50 caliber rifle and pipe bombs. Detectives remain on scene this morning and are interviewing Jason and those who were present on the property during the shooting. A suspect booking photo with specific charges will be provided in an update later today along with information on additional arrests, if any.
Sheriff Mascher wants to thank all YCSO personnel involved and the many assisting agencies who participated in this operation by providing tactical teams, perimeter security, and investigative assistance. Assisting agencies include the Department of Public Safety including a Ranger Helicopter crew, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Prescott Police Department, Prescott Valley Police Department, Arizona Game and Fish Department and the US Forest Service.
Complying with department policy, the volunteer’s name will not be released for at least 48hrs.