Homicide Suspect Arrested by State Trooper in Northern Arizona

Yavapai County, Ariz — A traffic stop by an Arizona State Trooper led to the rescue of two young children, a seizure of black tar heroin, and the arrest of their parents. A subsequent investigation by state detectives revealed a connection between the driver and a 2014 homicide in Aurora, Colorado.

On August 22, 2017, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a state trooper stopped a vehicle for excessive window tint. After observing indicators of criminal activity and receiving a positive alert from their canine unit, a search of the vehicle yielded 1.25 lbs. of black tar heroin.  

Phoenix residents Bryant Montoya, age 23, and Yeni Solis, age 25, were arrested for child endangerment, transportation for sale of a narcotic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The couple’s two small children were released to the care of the Department of Child Safety.

State detectives joined the investigation and discovered a connection between Montoya and a 2014 homicide investigation in Aurora, Colorado that left one person dead and several others injured. DPS detectives are working closely with the Aurora Police Department.

AZDPS Deputy Director Heston Silbert said, “traffic stops are one of the most dangerous aspects of police work and our troopers make nearly half a million of them each year. Our trooper’s vigilance and acumen led to the arrest of a fugitive wanted for murder, a seizure of 5,000 hits of heroin, and the removal of innocent children from a hazardous situation.”