Drunk driver arrested after nearly crashing into YCSO volunteer
Blood alcohol level reads 4 times legal limit

Sean Dillon, 51, from Cordes Lakes was arrested Wednesday, March 6, for aggravated driving under the influence and endangering other drivers.
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office/Courtesy

Sean Dillon, 51, from Cordes Lakes was arrested Wednesday, March 6, for aggravated driving under the influence and endangering other drivers.

A Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) volunteer has been recognized for helping deputies arrest a heavily drunk Cordes Lakes man after a dangerous drive Wednesday night, March 6.

The Volunteer in Protection (VIP) was the first to respond to reports of someone suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the 15600 block of Cordes Lakes Drive in Cordes Lakes at about 6:15 p.m. Callers explained that a gold colored Chevrolet compact SUV had driven into a ditch but was able to pull away and continue traveling along the road, according to a YCSO news release.

As soon as the VIP arrived, he spotted the suspect vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road heading directly in his path, according to the news release. This caused the VIP, who was driving a fully marked YCSO vehicle, to swerve and go off-road to avoid a collision.

After the suspect passed, the VIP made a U-Turn and came just close enough to the suspect vehicle to obtain a license plate.

“It should be noted that by policy, VIPs are not permitted to take any law enforcement action in such situations, and must only observe and report the activity being seen,” said YCSO spokesperson Dwight D’Evelyn.

The VIP radioed to dispatch and responding deputies that he saw the suspect vehicle weaving into opposing traffic, nearly striking another car on the roadway. The driver of the Chevrolet turned onto Cactus Wren and drove all the way to Stagecoach Trail in an extremely erratic manner, the VIP reported. The suspect then turned right on Stagecoach Trail toward the Pilot gas station, again traveling in the oncoming traffic lane. He stopped in the middle of an intersection briefly before entering the Pilot station.

After a couple of minutes, the driver left the gas station and drove south on Stagecoach Trail to Cordes Lakes Drive, the VIP reported. He then turned left and drove on the wrong side of the road before driving into a residential driveway on Cordes Lakes Drive and stopping. Deputies arrived within a minute while the VIP maintained visual contact with the suspect.

Deputies ordered the driver to get out the vehicle and he refused. They were eventually able to force the driver out and take him in to custody. He was identified as Sean Dillon, 51, from Cordes Lakes. Dillon admitted drinking “a lot of beer and liquor” before driving. The initial breath test resulted in a reading of .340, more than four times the legal limit.

Dillon was booked into the Yavapai County jail in Camp Verde on charges including DUI, impaired to the slightest, DUI of .20 or more, aggravated DUI and endangerment. He remains in-custody on a $10,000 bond.

The YCSO patrol commander has since complimented the VIP for his excellent reporting throughout the incident while avoiding direct contact with the suspect, according to the news release.

“The goal to help remove this dangerous driver from the roadway was the VIP’s focus throughout the incident,” D’Evelyn said. “His reporting provided real time locations to responding deputies which aided in preventing the suspect’s escape and potential collision with an innocent motorist.”

Follow Max Efrein on Twitter @mefrein, email him at mefrein@prescottaz.com or call him at 928-445-3333 ext. 1105.


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