PHOENIX (AP) — Authorities say a fugitive thought to be hiding in the wilderness on the Arizona-Utah line laid in wait and ambushed a Utah sheriff’s deputy who was pursuing him, fatally shooting him with a high-powered rifle after an attempted burglary and foot chase.
Coconino County sheriff’s spokeswoman Erika Wiltenmuth says 23-year-old Scott Curley hid beneath a tree and waited for two pursuing officers to get closer.
That’s when he raised his rifle and shot at them, hitting and killing 41-year-old Kane County Deputy Brian Harris, a married father of two.
A massive manhunt is under way for Curley, who fled into the wilderness covered with rock formations and caves.
Officials say Curley is familiar with the area and may have stashed food and supplies.
