2 arrested following New Year’s Eve pursuit

Two people were arrested New Year’s Eve following a pursuit through the streets of Douglas.

According to Sgt. Jose Duarte of the Douglas Police Department at approximately 8 p.m. DPD officers observed a white in color Dodge Charger with two occupants in the vicinity of the 800 block of 20th Street.

Duarte said the officers recognized the passenger Mr. Heriberto Sierra, 25, of Douglas, who had an outstanding felony warrant.

Officers then proceeded to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle in order to arrest Sierra.

As the officers stopped the vehicle and attempted to detain Sierra, they informed the driver of the vehicle, Alexis Nicole English of Sierra Vista, 23, to turn off the vehicle.

Sgt. Duarte said English did not comply and a Douglas Police officer attempted to turn off the vehicle by reaching into the driver’s area, but the driver proceeded to place the vehicle in drive and began to drive off.

Duarte said the Douglas Police officer, who is not being identified, had his arm in the vehicle and was pulled along for approx. 10 feet, until he was able to release his hold on the driver. The officer did not sustain any major injuries during this incident

Douglas Police then pursued the vehicle around the neighborhood, where Sierra exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

The driver was immediately taken into custody without further incident. A search of the area and with the assistance of Cochise County Sheriff’s deputies found Sierra hiding in a back yard. He was arrested without further incident.

Upon being taken into custody, deputies found that Mr. Sierra was in possession of narcotics.

Sierra was charged with probation violation, possession of narcotics and resisting arrest. As of press time he remains in custody at the Cochise County jail.

English was arrested for aggravated assault against a police officer and felony flight from police officers. She was transported to the Cochise County jail where she has since been released on bail, Duarte said.

Duarte said on New Year’s Eve the department received one call for shots fired, one for domestic violence, two people were arrested for warrants and there was a dui arrest early New Year’s morning.