N4T INVESTIGATORS: Tucson Police launch investigation into vandalism at Tucson nonprofit | N4T Investigators

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – After News 4 Tucson investigators investigated vandalism against a local nonprofit, Tucson Police launched an investigation and the organization is receiving a lot of support.

Just last week, News 4 Tucson was here and had to contend with months without air conditioning, $80,000 in damage, and no police response to their calls for help.

After we reported it, things quickly improved, they said.

These portable fans can finally be turned off at Midtown child and family facilities after they were without air conditioning for three weeks. They had expected to be without air conditioning for months after discovering their air conditioning system had been destroyed and copper wiring stolen.

“The costs were significant and definitely prevented us from providing additional funds for other services we could have offered to the community,” said Connie Curnett, CFO of Child and Family Resources.

Connie Curnett is the chief financial officer. She says that following our report last week, air conditioning suppliers have accelerated repairs and have put some of the units back into operation.

“I think that attention really helped mobilize people and get us back on our feet.”

One of their biggest concerns was that Tucson police did not respond after they called 911.

“We told the police that we found the objects that we believe were used to cut the pipes, but they still didn’t want to come here,” said Jose Acedo.

News 4 Tucson investigators questioned Tucson Police about their lack of response and told us the Public Safety Communications Division prioritized the call and did not forward it to officers.

Given the damage, they felt officers should have responded, and since our report aired, they have launched an investigation.

“You responded quickly to this story and we appreciate you getting us there.”

She says officers have offered tips on how to beef up their security measures, including more cameras. She says they’re also patrolling the neighborhood more at night. She just wishes they had started investigating from the beginning.

“I think if they had come right away, they probably could have gotten additional evidence or fingerprints.”

Now that they have enough air conditioning to cool the building, they have been able to bring their employees back to the office and are now fully operational.

If you have a story you think we should investigate, email us at [email protected] or call our tip line at 520-955-4444.