Authorities identify Utah deputy slain in Arizona; search for killer goes on

Authorities identify Utah deputy slain in Arizona

FREDONIA, Ariz. — Searchers are combing a remote desert area in northern Arizona for a gunman who allegedly shot and killed a Utah sheriff’s deputy.

Coconino County authorities say Deputy Sheriff Brian Harris of Kane County, Utah, was shot about three miles east of Fredonia, Ariz., a small town just south of the Utah border.

Officials say the 41-year-old Harris was chasing 23-year-old burglary suspect Scott Curley on foot Thursday afternoon when the suspect allegedly opened fire.

The manhunt for Curley continued through the night.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert describes Harris as a lawman who put “himself in a dangerous situation to protect his community.”

Harris was married and the father of two daughters.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

FREDONIA, Ariz. (AP) — Dozens of law officers, some in helicopters or leading tracking dogs, searched a remote desert area in northern Arizona early Friday for a gunman who allegedly shot and killed a Utah sheriff’s deputy.

Deputies on foot were chasing burglary suspect Scott Curley, 23, when he allegedly shot a Kane County (Utah) sheriff’s deputy with a high-powered scope rifle Thursday afternoon, officials said.

Coconino County sheriff’s commander Kurt Braatz identified the slain officer as deputy as Brian Harris of Mount Carmel, Utah, a married father of two daughters.

The incident began around 2:20 p.m. Thursday about three miles east of Fredonia, a small town just south of the Utah border in Arizona.

Braatz said about 100 local, state and federal authorities were involved in the the search for Curley along with tribal police officers.

He said the hunt was continuing through the night and by 2 a.m. PDT Curley was still on the loose.

Authorities say Curley is familiar with the remote desert area and they plan to drop flares from helicopters to use in the night search.

“Once again, we have received the tragic news that a Utah peace officer has lost his life in the line of duty,” said Utah Gov. Gary Herbert. He described Harris as a lawman who put “himself in a dangerous situation to protect his community.”

The Salt Lake City Tribune reported that Harris’ friends and family members gathered at his home to offer comfort and condolences.

“He was our go-to guy,” said his mother Bonnie Harris. “He did everything for us.”

The Gulf War veteran joined the sherif’s office after returning from the Mideast and enjoyed his work, especially rescuing lost or stranded people, said his brother, Bert Harris.

“He loved law enforcement. It was his thing,” said his father Bruce Harris.