PRESCOTT, AZ -- Officials say a Spring Valley man was arrested Thursday after he threatened to assault his soon-to-be ex-wife and take their children.
On July 2, at about 11 a.m., Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 17000 block of Gambel Circle, Spring Valley, about a male suspect threatening his family.
According to YCSO spokesperson Dwight D'Evelyn, the victim told deputies that her soon-to-be ex-husband, 34-year-old Dave Wayne Atkerson, was driving to her home intending to assault her and take the children away.
D'Evelyn said deputies were already aware of a pending domestic violence case involving Atkerson. The victim was distraught and said she had no doubt Atkerson would carry out his threats.
Just after the call was dispatched, a patrol Sergeant in the Mayer area reportedly spotted the suspect driving a white truck near Main Street and attempted a traffic stop.
Atkerson refused to pull over and the Sergeant initiated a pursuit which continued for several miles on back roads into the community of Spring Valley, according to D'Evelyn.
Due to concerns for the safety of residents in the area, the pursuit was terminated.
Assisting deputies drove to the victim’s home in case Atkerson stopped there.
The suspect apparently continued his threats by phone saying he “would not stop” until he found his ex-wife, according to D'Evelyn.
A short time later, deputies found the suspect’s truck abandoned on Meadow Lane in Spring Valley and began coordinating a search to locate him.
Deputies checked vehicles driving in the area after learning the suspect had several friends in the neighborhood.
At about 5 p.m., deputies learned that the suspect was inside a home near 17000 Meadow Lane, D'Evelyn said. Deputies checked the location and took the suspect into custody without incident.
Atkerson was booked at the Camp Verde Detention on several charges including disorderly conduct, 3 counts of aggravated assault, 2 counts of endangerment, unlawful flight from law enforcement, threatening and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He remains in-custody on a $50,000 bond, D'Evelyn said.
