Cottonwood AZ (September 17, 2019) – On September 14, 2019, just before 4 PM, YCSO deputies were dispatched to the Country Store on Western Drive at Highway 260, Cottonwood, regarding a man throwing beer cans out his window and yelling at folks nearby. It was also reported there were young children in his vehicle.
The first deputy arrived and found 40-year-old Christian Mattos from Cottonwood, asleep at the wheel of a running white Toyota pick-up truck. In the back seat of the truck were two and three-year-old boys.
The deputy turned off the truck and immediately checked the welfare of the children who were upset, but otherwise ok.
Additional deputies arrived and when contacting Mattos it was obvious he was intoxicated. When he awoke, his speech was slurred and confused and during a field sobriety test, the results clearly indicated he was impaired. A portable breath test on site revealed a .21 BAC, well over twice the legal limit. Mattos was arrested on charges including DUI at .20 alcohol concentration or higher, Aggravated DUI with 2 children in the truck, and 2 counts of Endangerment. He has since been released pending court action.
The children were turned over to their mother who had been called to the scene following Mattos’ arrest.
YCSO is thankful for the concerned citizen who called promptly after seeing the actions of Mattos while his kids were in the truck. The notification prevented further danger to the children and other motorists by allowing deputies to arrive before Mattos drove away.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov