State Glance

Arizona DPS trooper accused of threatening to kill co-worker

PHOENIX — Authorities say an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper has been arrested for allegedly threatening to kill another employee of the agency.

DPS officials say Edward Swan made the threat in front of his supervisor during a meeting last Friday.

The 48-year-old Swan was taken into custody by state detectives Saturday on suspicion of making verbal death threats.

Swan, who is a Gilbert resident, has worked for DPS for eight years.

Maricopa County court documents show the threatened employee plans to seek prosecution.

That employee’s name hasn’t been released.

Swan was released on his own recognizance and faces an Aug. 15 arraignment hearing.

It was unclear Wednesday if Swan has a lawyer yet for his case.

Drone tested for vote ballot pickup from Grand Canyon tribe

FLAGSTAFF — Officials are testing a ballot-collecting drone to make voting easier for members of the Havasupai Tribe, whose members live deep within the Grand Canyon.

Election ballots have been hiked out of the canyon or packed out by horses and mules so they can be counted.

Flagstaff radio station KNAU reports that Coconino County officials are working with the sheriff’s office and the tribe to test the ability of drones to deliver and return ballots for the 2020 election.

County Recorder Patty Hansen says officials have asked the Federal Aviation Administration for permission to fly a drone into and out of the Grand Canyon on election day.

According to KNAU, there are 450 members of the Havasupai tribe living in the Grand Canyon. About 100 of them are registered voters.