Yavapai County, AZ – The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) has launched an intensive search for 63‑year‑old Benny Sutton Jr., who was last seen Sunday when his pickup truck was swept away in a wash north of Lake Pleasant during the weekend’s flooding.
Search effort expands as water recedes
According to YCSO officials, the wash where Sutton’s truck was discovered stretched roughly 200 feet across and was 6 to 8 feet deep at the peak of the flood. As the water has since dried, deputies are now able to drive and walk the area, following the vehicle’s trail downstream toward Lake Pleasant.
Search teams, comprising sheriff’s deputies, local fire crews, and volunteers from neighboring agencies, have been working 16 to 18 hours each day. While only minor clues have been uncovered so far, the coordinated effort remains ongoing.
Who is Benny Sutton Jr.?
Sutton is a longtime resident of the area and is employed at the historic Castle Hot Springs resort. He did not report for work on Sunday, prompting coworkers to alert authorities when he failed to appear.
“We’re treating this as a high‑priority missing‑person case,” said YCSO Sheriff’s Deputy James Miller. “Our teams are covering every inch of the wash and surrounding terrain to bring Mr. Sutton home safely.”
Community response and safety reminder
Local residents have expressed concern and offered assistance, with several volunteers joining the search lines and providing supplies. The sheriff’s office has also reminded the public to avoid the wash area until the investigation is complete, citing lingering hazards such as unstable ground and hidden debris.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about Sutton’s whereabouts or the circumstances of the flood to contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office at 928‑771‑5555.
Recent flooding context
The recent storm system brought heavy rain to large portions of Arizona, prompting evacuations, road closures, and damage to homes and businesses. While the worst of the flooding has subsided, officials say water levels in many washes and low‑lying areas remain unpredictable.
YCSO remains vigilant, monitoring other flood‑affected sites and standing ready to respond to any further emergencies.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
