SAFFORD — Safford Police said it appears that failure to yield at a stop sign resulted in a collision that resulted in one man having to be airlifted to Tucson with serious head trauma.
The collision occurred at the intersection of 1st Avenue and Relation Street. Reports indicate the vehicle driven by William Thomas Rackley turned left off Relation onto 1st, into the path of the other vehicle, whose driver was unable to stop in time.
Rackley and his passenger, identified as Cory Michael Herrera, had to be extricated from the vehicle by Safford Fire Department. Herrera was initially transported to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center before being flown to Banner University Medical Center in Tucson. He is listed in serious condition.
At MGRMC with minor injuries, Rackley said he did not remember the collision. However, he reportedly admitted to having two vodka drinks in Morenci before driving to Safford. Officers observed other open liquor containers in Rackley’s vehicle, but Rackley denied possession of the items.
The driver and passenger of the other vehicle — an 8-year-old boy — were treated and released from MGRMC for minor injuries.
Safford Police requested review by the Graham County Attorney’s Office for charges of DUI and aggravated assault against Rackley.
