Click the play button on the video window to the see the storySurrounded by media and TV cameras from every Valley television station, a 63-year-old suspect walked onto the light rail platform at 44th and Washington streets in Phoenix Tuesday.
Armed Sheriff's deputies and Sheriff Joe Arpaio were also there with the woman, Deanna Banks, as Arpaio unveiled his new "Con Rail" program aimed at saving money on parking during inmate extradition.
Banks was extradited from Kansas City, Missouri. Her warrant was reportedly issued from a DPS arrest. Officials said her arrest charges include theft, a class two felony and eight counts of forgery, class four felonies.
"Not only is this program financially creative in these tough economic times, but we will be providing a service to the city's light rail program by occasionally providing free security," Arpaio said in a press release.
Sheriff's office representatives claimed they pay about $72,000 each year in parking fees at Sky Harbor Airport.
The Sheriff said he would instead pay the $1.25 fee to transport an inmate one way on the light rail from the airport to the jail.
The airport, meanwhile, said in a press release, "The City of Phoenix Airport Police Bureau accommodates fellow law enforcement agencies from around the state that need to park at the airport for the purpose of transporting prisoners. There is no charge for this service… The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office currently uses this service."
The Sheriff said he believed the Sheriff's office was paying a fee, but he would reconsider whether he uses airport parking again as a result of learning it might actually be free.
