TUCSON, ARIZONA – March 18, 2024 –
To keep the Pima County community abreast on what’s happening regarding the series of arrests and charges in the Stop Cop City incident that took place in downtown Tucson last month, County Attorney Laura Conover is releasing the following statement and details in the case:
It has been written that my silence on the following events “has been deafening.” I appreciate the opportunity to give the public an update on the case. Last week, a Pima County Grand Jury returned an indictment based on events that occurred on and around Sunday, February 25th, when out-of-state visitors came into town to protest under the name of Stop Cop City.
As this is an ongoing case, we will limit all comments here to what is solely in the public record. However, in our unending goal of transparency and in answer to numerous requests, we provide the following:
- Responding to reports of fire, Tucson Police Department Officers responded to a building located at Stone Ave. and West Pennington St. and arrested individuals for arson, riot, criminal damage, and burglary. The charge PCAO is proceeding with is called Arson of an Occupied Structure because a cleaning crew of two women were inside with the lights on working the overnight shift. Fortunately, neither was physically harmed.
- While using the PCAO training model of “ongoing threat of harm,” our prosecutor argued vociferously for detention. Because Arizona remains tied to cash bail until a legislative change, PCAO argued for high bonds. The Court, which decides the bond, set the bonds at $5,500 for each of the three defendants. The defendants bonded out the next day.
Three individuals have subsequently been indicted by a Pima County Grand Jury for charges of Arson of an Occupied Structure, Criminal Damage, Riot, Burglary in the Third Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Arson, Criminal Damage, Riot, and Burglary in the Third Degree. Their arraignment is scheduled for tomorrow March 19, 2024, in Pima County Superior Court. A broader investigation is ongoing, as PCAO and TPD work together to hold those who caused harm accountable while seeking restitution for the many buildings that were damaged in the events of that weekend.
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover
The Pima County Attorney’s Office is committed to restorative justice, transparency, and accountability as the focus of a mission that also seeks alternatives to incarceration when appropriate, provides support for victims, and strives to be inclusive and equitable to all segments of the communities we serve in the pursuit of public safety and wellbeing.
Media Contact: Shawndrea Thomas
Director of Communications
Pima County Attorney’s Office
(520) 724-5738 (Office)
(520) 310-4720 (Mobile)
Shawndrea.Thomas@pcao.pima.gov
