Manhunt for Scott Curley, Suspect in Murder of Utah Deputy Brian Harris
FREDONIA, Ariz. (CBS/AP) Dozens of law officers scoured an area of desert in northern Arizona early Friday morning for Scott Curley, a gunman who allegedly shot and killed a Utah sheriff's deputy.
Police say Curley shot Deputy Sheriff Brian Harris of Mount Carmel, Utah a small town just north of the Arizona border.
According to officials, Harris, 41, was on foot in pursuit of a burglary suspect Thursday afternoon when the suspect opened fire on Harris, killing the deputy with a high-powered rifle.
Coconino County sheriff's commander Kurt Braatz said around 100 local, state and federal authorities were involved in the search for Curley. The manhunt continued through the night and into Friday.
Authorities said Curley is familiar with the remote desert area and they plan to drop flares from helicopters to use during the night search.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert described Harris as a deputy who put "himself in a dangerous situation to protect his community."
Harris, a Gulf War veteran, joined the sheriff's office after returning from the Mideast and he relished in his work, especially when rescuing lost or stranded people, said his brother, Bert Harris.
"He loved law enforcement. It was his thing," said the slain deputy's father, Bruce Harris.
Harris was a married father, he had two daughters.
