Man linked to years-long string of arsons, burglaries in northeastern Arizona
SNOWFLAKE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — Investigations going back several years have come to an end after police say they linked a suspect to a string of crimes in northeastern Arizona.
On Feb. 19, around 11:30 p.m., a Snowflake-Taylor police officer witnessed a golf cart driver riding with no lights on. The driver, 33-year-old Bryon Begay, attempted to avoid the officer. However, Begay was then arrested as he tried to make his way home, police said.
During the arrest, authorities say the officer noticed the shoes Begay was wearing seemed to match shoe prints found at the scene of several arsons and burglaries. The investigation revealed Begay was allegedly involved in over 15 crimes dating back to 2016, including multiple arsons, burglaries and thefts.
Begay was also reportedly linked to arson cases involving the Snowflake High School football field announcer’s booth, the announcer’s booth at Fredrickson Park and several empty or vacant homes in Snowflake.
“This arrest signifies the end of several years of frustration for our community and the police department. We have waited for many years to catch a break with these cases and put an end to the many arsons our community has endured. I am proud of the work my officers and detectives were able to accomplish in piecing together so many cases, many of which happened before they even started working for the Snowflake-Taylor Police Department,” Snowflake-Taylor Police Department Chief Robert Martin said in a statement.
The chief says multiple cases are being referred to the Navajo County Attorney’s Office.
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