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Merry Christmas With Sheriff Joe

David Nunn
Arpaio, that is.

Son Mark is in the Maricopa County jail. He hasn't called me yet, and since he has been in since 12-22, I don't expect he will.

On 12-20 he announced he was coming back to Texas from Kalifornia, and took off. On 12-21 he called and said he was stopping to rest, in a motel somewhere west of El Paso. I could not get him to tell me where he was exactly. He called his mom and said his car had broken down, and he was holed up in a motel because someone was after him. He told me the car was running fine. He sounded strange, like he was having another of his episodes. He has been off medication for over a year.

Well, he failed to show up, so I had him entered into NCIC as an overdue motorist with mental problems. That got a hit, and we found out he is in the Maricopa County jail, as of 12-22. He is charged with Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest, Theft, and Criminal Damage. He allegedly was hanging around a convenience store being a nuisance and the Sheriff's Office was called. He then allegedly fought the Deputy who came to arrest him or take him in for evaluation.

Fortunately, the people at the S.O. recognize that he is having problems, so he is in the Psychiatric unit, under observation. I have been in touch with the clinical liaison and told them where all he has been hospitalized so they can get his records. Hopefully, his condition will be taken into account, and maybe he won't have to do any penitentiary time.

Everything he owns is in his car, and it is a considerable pile. Guitars, amps, mixer, turntables, computer, etc. I still don't know and won't until 12-26 whether his car was safely impounded or left sitting on the side of the road somewhere.

I had been in contact with his mother, and she told me she woke up 12-23 with an overwhelming feeling that Mark was dead. That spooked me, so I did what I could to locate him, and fortunately, he was in jail and not dead.
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Comments

43 comments

Date Votes
  • Forkliftking
    I wish you the best of luck during this bad time.
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  • guntech59
    I'm sorry to hear this happened, especially at this time of year.
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  • jimdeere
    I feel your pain, Mr. Nunn, as I have been where you are.
    Trust your wife's instincts, and listen to her council.
    God be with you and your family.
    Jim
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  • William81
    Sorry to hear about Mark, I pray things fall together for him and he gets the help he needs.
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  • tomahawk
    i feel he is crying for help, as a father i'd go to him, it really hurts when one turns this way, don't know the story but i feel for your son and parents involved[V]
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  • givette
    Doesn't come across to this reader that you are totally surprised. Hope it all works out. Joe
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  • JamesRK
    He's due for some luck. Maybe they can get him some help. I hope so. Still kind of bad news at Christmas time. Best to you and yours nunn.
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  • dongizmo
    Dave,
    I'm sorry to hear it, maybe he will get some help, and at least you know he is safe.
    Don
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  • David Nunn
    What I am hoping for, in this order:

    That Mark will be evaluated, hospitalized, and given medication to control his highs and lows.

    That the judge will take into account his mental state and dismiss or reduce the charges against him, so that he won't have a felony conviction when this is all over.

    That he will continue on medication and control his illness.

    That his gear will be safely stored until he, or someone acting for him, can pick it up.


    I can't "go to him." It isn't as though I can just sashay into the jail, visit with Mark, post his bond, pick up his property, etc. Even if I went to Phoenix, which is about 1134 miles from here, I could not see Mark unless he puts my name on his approved visitor list. And, I can't call him; he has to call me. Since he hasn't even tried to call since his arrest, I presume that he doesn't want to talk to me.

    I would go to Phoenix, if I knew that I could see him. I would take a trailer and bring his car back, or if the car is trashed, I would load his gear in my truck and bring it back. In order to do any of this, I would have to have Mark's consent to see me, and for me to claim his property.

    Ill or not, he is an adult, and has rights, and has to make his own choices.
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  • bpost
    Dave, My brother is approaching this type of life, mental problems SUCK. The sad thing is our wanting to help but being unable to assist in meaningful ways. It takes professional care far beyond my understanding.

    I will say a prayer or two for our ill family members.

    Go Bless
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  • Permanently deleted user
    Sorry to hear about this nunn. I am sure his car was impounded, unless he was arrested somewhere away from it.

    Let me know if you need me to check on anything for you. Maricopa County adjoins my county.
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  • Jacob2008
    A kid we know did the same thing, beat an officer.. right after coming back from Iraq... something there really pizzes them off, and they turn violent. Not all, some do, and some dont...

    Hes serving time, lets hope your son doesnt get the same.
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  • A J Christ
    David:
    Sorry to hear of your sons troubles. We will keep you in our prayers and hope all turns out OK.
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  • Sav99
    Very sorry to hear that your son is going through this David. Sorry for the family too. I have a best buddy who has been ill for about 15 years. We went through something very similar when he got off his medication for an extended period of time. It's heartbreaking to see someone go through it. I wish him the best and will keep him in prayer.
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  • jimdeere
    Mr. Nunn, not trying to tell you what to do, but if you can go, you should. Visit the sherriff, let them know you are there. Also, talk to as many professionals as you can that come in contact with your son. Believe me, it will make a difference as to how he is treated. If you can't go, call, call, call.
    We have been pleased with the sensativity of more than one law enforcement agency who we have dealt with. It's a lot better than it used to be.
    Also, the HIPPA laws concerning patients privacy can be frustrating.
    Most likely your son will be assigned to a social worker. They will be your primary contact.
    Good luck.
    jim
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  • 11b6r
    My brother, step back for a moment, take a deep breath, and look at the picture. I KNOW this is not the picture you would want to see- HOWEVER- this is a lot better than it could be. Your son is (hopefully) safer in his present environment than out on the street. He is in a system that would be equipped to see that he gets the medical help he needs- regretfully, can REQUIRE that he accept the help he needs. While this is working its way along, I pray that you and your family will be granted peace and comfort. God bless you and yours-
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  • pickenup
    Theft?

    Sorry to hear it David.
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  • kimi
    I will be remembering your son in prayer and hope the best for him and his belongings, David. Hang in there. And, may each of you receive the best of God's blessings.
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  • alledan
    I hope he doesn't end up in that tent city the Sheriff runs.
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  • GUNFUNCO
    Best wishes and prayers sent.
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  • Permanently deleted user
    I'm praying for a miracle and a change of course in this young mans life as of today...Christ's Birthday.
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  • Laredo Lefty
    David...... Lets hope the new year brings a new beginning for Mark.
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  • FEENIX
    Good luck and God bless!
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  • iluvguns
    Man David. What a load to have to bear. All of you are in our prayers. God bless.
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  • Da-Tank
    Resisting arrest in Az. could come from asking why the nice policeman is pointing a gun at you. Not turning around fast enough for the handcuffs is fighting a officer. Sherriff Joe is a good person, try to call him. He will help you under this condition.
    File for the arrest report, you know how to read them, and understand it.
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  • kristov
    Sorry to hear about this.
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  • spryor
    quote:Originally posted by Laredo Lefty
    David...... Lets hope the new year brings a new beginning for Mark.
    Amen.
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  • oldgunner
    I'm really sorry to hear that. I also have a brother with similar problems. Thankfully, he has stayed on his medicine for the last 18 months.
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  • AZEX
    Nunn. I live in Mesa, about 20 minutes down the freeway from the Durango jail or about 15 mins from the 4th Ave. Jail (aka The Matrix).

    If you decide to come and do what can be done, you're welcome to stay here and help me eat all the Christmas leftovers in between trips down to Joe's. (Wife went to Kali so it's just me until 1/3/08)

    As to Tent City. I went there for a few days (DWI, a couple years ago) and it's actually nice. (It's good enough for soldiers and Marines) I'd much rather be somewhere where I can go outside at my discretion and see the sky and the airplanes departing/arriving at Sky Harbor, than being stuck in a cement box without the sun.

    D.
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  • R D Henry
    AZEX, you've got the east side and I've got the west side covered!

    David and I have been playing email tag, and tossing some ideas. Once we locate the car, I want to get some pics of it, and make sure his personal property is still intact. I just don't know yet what part of town he was arrested in, or what towing company grabbed it.
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