Ballot damaged after USPS mailbox catches fire in Phoenix; Suspect arrested

PHOENIX – An arrest came after a United States Postal Service mailbox in Phoenix was set on fire early Thursday morning, damaging over a dozen ballots.

The fire occurred just before 1:30 a.m. Oct. 24 outside a post office near 7th Avenue and Indian School Road.

Phoenix The fire department was on site and extinguished the flames. Twenty ballots and other mail items were damaged in the fire.

“The postal inspector took possession of the damaged ballots and mail,” said Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade. “The Phoenix Fire Investigations Task Force, which includes Phoenix Police detectives and Phoenix Fire investigators, is working with U.S. Postal Inspectors.”

Phoenix police Investigators allegedly collected surveillance videos from the crime scene.

In a separate, brief statement posted on her X account (formerly Twitter), Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said the suspect involved in the incident has been arrested. Phoenix police officers have since identified the suspect as 35-year-old Dieter Bradford Klofkorn.

“Klofkorn was located and arrested on an outstanding unrelated warrant. While in custody he was questioned about his involvement in the arson. Klofkorn admitted to committing the arson,” reads part of the statement from Phoenix police. “Klofkorn stated that he committed the arson because he wanted to be arrested and that his actions were not politically motivated and had nothing to do with the upcoming election.”

According to police, Klofkorn is in prison for arson.

“Klofkorn has a good history with the Phoenix Police Department and the surrounding valley,” said Sgt. Robert Scherer of the Phoenix Police Department.

Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer released the following statement regarding the incident:

“We are awaiting details from law enforcement. We encourage all voters who have used this drop box in the last 36 hours to check the status of their ballot at https://BeBallotReady.Vote. Successful delivery will usually be reflected on this website within 72 hours. Voters should be aware that tomorrow, October 25, is the last day to request a replacement ballot. If a voter believes they have been affected by this incident, they can learn more about how to submit this request at the following address https://Request.Maricopa.Vote.”

Mayor Gallego, meanwhile, insists that any attempts to disrupt the election will not be tolerated.

“Threats are not okay,” said Mayor Gallego. “Attempts at intimidation are deeply illegal and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

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