Safford teen slashes two on New Year’s Eve

By Jon Johnson
Assistant Editor
Published on Sunday, January 4, 2009 12:27 PM MST

It appears the city of Safford is having difficulty getting through a holiday without a stabbing these days.

According to Safford Police Chief John Griffin, a Safford juvenile, Justin Garza, 15, slashed two people with a knife outside of the Circle K located at Highway 70 and 11th Avenue late Wednesday night. Garza also allegedly threatened a third victim, Averie Michelle Suaste, 33, of Safford by waving the knife at her.

Griffin said Garza slashed Michael Aaron, 20, of Thatcher across his abdomen at about 11:58 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Garza also allegedly cut Thomas J. Cervantes, 22, of Thatcher on his left forearm. Aaron was taken to the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center by Southwest Ambulance for treatment and was later released. Cervantes’ wound did not require professional medical attention.

Safford officer Brad Reynolds arrived at the scene and chased Garza into a house on 11th Avenue, according to Griffin. Garza, who is already on intensive probation, was taken into custody and booked into the Graham County Juvenile Detention Facility on charges of aggravated assault.

Griffin said his department’s investigation is ongoing and a motive for the altercation is not known at this time. He said Garza faces the possibility of being charged as an adult for attempted murder.

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