KINGMAN, Ariz. – The decorative chuckwalla sculpture that has been perched near the railroad tracks in downtown Kingman for eight years was targeted for vandalism, according to the Kingman Police Department (KPD). The 1,800-pound concrete creature commissioned by the City as an arts project was smashed by a 2007 Chevy Silverado pickup truck on Sept. 11.
The driver, later identified as Mike Graham, 56, fled the scene of the lacerated lizard.
“The statue had sustained a broken tail and large scratches on the top,” a KPD report said. “The vehicle had apparently stopped after striking the statue and had then spun the tires, as the dirt had piled up in a way that showed the tires had spun. The vehicle had then backed up and had run over the statue again.”
A citizen subsequently contacted the KPD and reported that Graham admitted he ran over the chuckwalla. A park ranger then contacted the agency and reported that Graham seemed to be having a mental breakdown at the Hualapai Mountain Lodge.
It took several days for officers to contact Graham, who was interviewed at the police department on Sept. 17. A police report said Graham first indicated he didn’t remember maiming the chuckwalla before he was more forthcoming.
“He did not intend to run over the lizard and held no grudge against it,” the report said. “He will pay for the damage if he is allowed. He is sorry for what occurred.”
Deputy Police Chief Joel Freed, however, said it’s a case of reptile road rage. He said witnesses told investigators that Graham hated the lizard, for whatever reason.
Graham was issued a citation for failing to inform anyone he had damaged the chuckwalla. City officials indicate the sculpture will likely be repaired and repositioned at another location.
Two days after the interview at the KPD, Graham reportedly used the same pickup truck to lead officers on separate police pursuits that ended at the Zuni RV park property off Airway Avenue. Freed said Graham deliberately rammed a KPD patrol vehicle before he was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Graham was charged with two aggravated assault counts, unlawful flight, reckless driving, criminal damage and resisting arrest.
