On August 6, 2022, at approximately 11:20 p.m., Lake Havasu City Police Department officers responded to the 1500 block of Beachcomber Blvd. in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, regarding a vehicle intentionally ramming into various property, causing significant damage. When officers arrived in the area, they located a damaged white 2021 GMC Sierra driving erratically. When the officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle tried to flee and, in the process, rammed two patrol cars and caused damage to a third patrol vehicle. Eventually, the truck was stopped after the driver crashed into a wall.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as 32-year-old California resident Morgan Prieto was taken into custody after a brief struggle with officers. Detectives assigned to the Lake Havasu City Criminal Investigations Unit and the Crash Team responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. The initial investigation indicated that Prieto was intoxicated at the time of the incident and caused over $150,000.00 in damages, including the three damaged patrol vehicles. 

One officer was transported to Havasu Regional Medical Center as a precautionary measure and was later released with only minor injuries. No other injuries occurred during the incident.

Morgan Prieto was charged with Aggravated Assault x5, Felony Criminal Damage $150k+, Unlawful Flight, DUI Slightest Degree, Disorderly Conduct with a Dangerous Instrument, and Resisting Arrest (Felony).  During his initial appearance, Prieto was held on a $50,000 secured bond and transferred to the custody of the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. 

Public Information Officer:  Sergeant Tyler Tribolet

Booking photo: Morgan Prieto