Searchers comb Arizona desert for deputys killer

8/27/2010 10:10:11 AM

FREDONIA, Ariz. – Law officers combed a remote desert area in northern Arizona early Friday for a gunman accused of shooting and killing a Utah sheriff's deputy with a high-powered rifle.

Scott Curley fled into a wilderness area full of rock formations and caves after allegedly shooting a deputy from Kane County, Utah, about three miles east of Fredonia, a small town just south of the Utah border.

Friends told investigators the 23-year-old Curley was familiar with the area and may have stashed food and supplies in what are described as "spider holes," caves and cliff areas.

Officials say Deputy Sheriff Brian Harris, 41, was chasing a burglary suspect, identified as Curley, on foot Thursday afternoon when the suspect allegedly opened fire, killing Harris. Coconino County issued a temporary felony warrant for first-degree murder for Curley.

The manhunt continued through the night and into Friday. Dozens of law officers, some in helicopters or leading tracking dogs, searched the remote desert area.

Utah's governor expressed sadness over the deputy's death.

"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."

Harris' friends and family members gathered at his home to offer comfort and condolences.

"He was our go-to guy," his mother Bonnie Harris told The Salt Lake City Tribune. "He did everything for us."

The Gulf War veteran joined the sheriff'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.