On December 22, 2015, a Yavapai County Sheriff’s office Volunteer in Protection (VIP) located an abandoned 2000 white Chevrolet Blazer parked on Mahina Way in the Juniper Woods subdivision, south of Ash Fork, AZ. A records check indicated the vehicle had been reported stolen to the Prescott Police Department. The VIP alerted a patrol deputy in the area who initiated an investigation.
During follow-up, the deputy learned a man associated with the stolen vehicle was currently inside a bar in Ash Fork. The deputy found the man and he was identified as 23-year-old Michael Targhetta from Prescott. A records search revealed Targhetta was wanted on a parole violation warrant. Targhetta stated he rode to the Juniper Woods area in the Blazer with a couple of friends the day before and denied knowing it was stolen. They dropped him off and he was left on his own. After wandering in the area, he entered an unoccupied home on Mahina Way.
Targhetta spent the rest of the day and night inside the home, leaving the following morning. He had taken some small items from the home which were still in his possession. Additionally, he was carrying several burglary tools including pliers, a flashlight and head band with an attached flashlight. The stolen vehicle had been found only 100 feet from the entrance to the burglarized home on Mahina Way. Targhetta later claimed the vehicle had been stolen by one of the persons he rode with to Juniper Woods.
Targhetta was arrested for the Parole Violation, Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Theft and Trespassing. He was booked into the Camp Verde Detention Center and is held without bond.
The investigation is ongoing regarding the vehicle theft. Anyone with information as to additional suspects possibly involved is urged to contact Yavapai Silent Witness at 1800-932-3232. Callers remain anonymous and become eligible for a cash reward if arrests are made based on the tip. Case number 15-048778.