Press Releases

OCTOBER 23, 2023 - On Thursday, Governor Joshua Adamson announced that he was working with State officials to pass legislation that would put pressure on the Government to build more housing for Mesa's homeless at no extra cost to them. In a brief statement early this morning, the Governor Said:

"Our state's history of homelessness needs to end with me. As Governor it is my duty and will continue to be my duty to ensure that all Mesians have a home," said Gov. Adamson. "It is essential that these bills are passed in both Houses of the State Assembly, so that are state's homeless population tanks down to nothing. We can get it done, but we must work diligently to ensure that our mission gets accomplished."

The Governor is also lifting legislation on unregistered homeless camps that were shutdown during the administration of Governor Donnie Nicholson in 2003. The homelessness in the state skyrocketed at the start of 2002, but was exacerbated by the failed policies of Governor Nicholson.

As the Mesa Highway Patrol is in charge of removing homeless individuals from the street, we found it very useful that these legislative packages will be voted on and wanted to ensure that these homeless folks understand that we have outstanding resources for those who may be effected by the crises, and to also announce our support for the passage of the bill. 

"It is our hope that Governor Adamson will continue to deliver on his promises and ensure that the homelessness crises can be resolved promptly," said Commissioner Donaldson. "We as an agency would support the bill if it is passed sometime next year."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

There is an active Be On The Look Out, for a man, 55-year-old Kevin O'Latter. 

NAME: O'LATTER, KEVIN G.

WANTED POSTING: November 1, 2022

WANTED BY: Mesa Highway Patrol

AWARD: NO

CHARGES PENDING: x 2, Felonious Assault W/ A Deadly Weapon, x 2, Attempted Murder Of A Police/Peace Office, x 1, Felon In Possession Of A Fire Arm, x 1, Felony Eluding, x 2, First Degree Murder

NOTES: Don't Engage, Stay In Doors, And Never Let An Unknown Person Get In A Vehicle With You Or Let Such Person In Your Home. Exercise Extreme Caution.

Our hearts hurt as we announce the passing of one of colleagues, friends and partners. Trooper Jack Roberts Jr, was struck on Interstate 875 when he was exiting his vehicle. Trooper Roberts had served with the Mesa Highway Patrol since 2005. He was a great asset to our agency, and will be sorely missed be all who knew him from work, personally, or who was related to him. May his courage, fairness and dedication live on in all of us. 

TROOPER JACK ROBERTS JR(End Of Watch 6/27/2022)

The investigation into the crash is currently under investigation, but as of now, we have been made aware of dashcam evidence and eyewitness testimony describing the driver's use of a cellular device contributed to the crash which killed Trooper Roberts. We will continue to update the Mesa Highway Patrol staff, employees, troopers and community with updates in the investigation.

Thank You for your service Trooper Jack Roberts, and may you rest in peace.

LEWIS DONALDSON

COMMISSIONER

MESA HIGHWAY PATROL

June 15, 2022

On June 15, 2022, The Mesa Highway Patrol appointed Gregory Markel as the Mesa Highway Patrol's Deputy Commissioner. Merkel will be sworn in this morning at 10:00 AM this morning. 

June 15, 2022

Dear State Residents,

As many of you are aware, the State Legislature has recently passed State Assembly Bill 9455, which will mandate that all residents who live within 15 miles of a State School. Governor Kirk Paul has recently contacted my office to request that Troopers do mandatory weapons check ins at homes within the 15 mile radius. He asked us to begin checking residential homes for un-registered, un-licensed weapons. He also wants our troopers to look for un-reported weapons.

He will sign Executive Order 0190509, which will be titled "Temporarily Suspending The Privacy Clause Of The Constitution And State Constitution For The Purpose Of Public Safety." When this order is signed, it will allow troopers to enter resident homes without the need of a warrant, and as such, will act as a lawful command. If you refuse to allow our troopers or local law enforcement, entry into your home may constitute a felony under State Statue 4902.49, "Preventing Law Enforcement From Conducting A Lawful and Authorized Function by Preventing Them From Maintaining Public Safety."

As such, we ask that residents cooperate with us, so that we can be as quick about the weapon, registration and license checks. The more you cooperate with us, the less amount of time it will take for you to get back to your daily activities. 

Thank you in advanced for you cooperation,

Lewis Donaldson,

Commissioner

Mesa Highway Patrol.

Dear Residents, Citizens and Visitors,

The State Of Mesa has finally appointed me as the replacement Commissioner for Former Commissioner Hayden Hendricks who resigned following fallout after an agency involved shooting claimed the life of then-Lt. Governor Joe Haney's 22 year son, Bradley Haney. I am writing to point out some key topics which my administrative staff will be working to accomplish. The goals set here will be the pillars of which we continue to lead this great agency.

As this agency's Commissioner I, Lewis Donaldson, promise to ensure that:

1. Our Agency has the highest quality training program for its troopers, officers and employees.

2. That our citizens can have confidence in the officers, troopers and employees who work to keep you safe.

3. Citizens, property and rights are protected by our agency and to ensure that state assets are protected, in turn, lowering living costs.

4. Work FOR the people, and not AGAINST them.

5. Work WITH civil rights groups and ensure civil rights are not VIOLATED when interacting with our Troopers, Officers and Employees.

The Mesa Highway Patrol prides itself in working for the great citizens of the State of Mesa. We will continue to hold ourselves to the highest standard of service. We want our citizens to feel free to contact us and raise a concern if our agency is not performing its duties properly or if the agency is as well. We want feedback from our community and the communities we serve.

Thank You,

Lewis Donaldson

Lewis Donaldson

Commissioner, Mesa Highway Patrol