At approximately 11 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 16, a Navajo County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Mogollon Drive in Overgaard. The driver identified as Lonny Dehut, 53, was the only occupant and the deputy saw indicators to investigate the driver for potential drug trafficking. Following an investigation, Dehut driver was arrested for transporting and possessing dangerous drugs. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Dehut was taken to the local substation, was fully cooperative with deputies during the entire incident, and was willing to provide a statement in an interview at the substation. At no point was there ever any type of force used by any of the deputies involved with Dehut. During the interview, Dehut reportedly began exhibiting strange behavior and deputies immediately asked him about the behavior and if he needed or wanted medical attention. Medics were immediately called to respond and arrived within five minutes to the substation. The medics began checking the vitals and symptoms of Dehut, who at the time was alert and conscious. While receiving medical attention, the Dehut’s health deteriorated and began to fail. He became unresponsive and EMT’s continued to treat him and began life saving efforts. Multiple rounds of Narcan were deployed, and CPR was initiated. Despite their efforts, Dehut never regained consciousness and was pronounced deceased. The Navajo County Criminal Investigations Unit and the Navajo County Medical Examiner’s Office are conducting the investigation regarding the death.
