Manhunt Conducted Following Fatal Shooting (NPS Digest)

Manhunt Conducted Following Fatal Shooting (NPS Digest)
The Navajo Police Department received a report of a shooting at a residence near Ledge Ruin Overlook on the north rim of the canyon early on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 12th. The overlook is about six miles east of the park visitor center on Route 64 and has been closed to visitors for many years due to safety issues. The shooting involved members of a family residing near the overlook who have a history of criminal activity. After an argument, an exchange of gunfire between family members resulted in one fatality and two people wounded. Navajo PD contacted the National Park Service for assistance. Rangers closed off Canyon del Muerto to tours and secured the area around Bare Rock Trail, which suspects could have used to escape apprehension. Navajo PD detained most of the people involved in the shooting near the residence but one person fled on foot, resulting in a manhunt by officers from Chinle, Pinyon, and the Window Rock Special Response Team, Apache County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and rangers. The fugitive was tracked by officers and captured a short while later at Dead Man’s Curve along the road to Chinle. After officers determined that all suspects had been apprehended, the canyon was reopened. One of the wounded individuals was flown to Phoenix in critical condition and the other was treated at Chinle Indian Health Services. The FBI is investigating the incident. Alcohol was involved.