COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — Authorities are searching for a missing Arizona man after his truck was found in the possession of a man killed by police after he allegedly "opened fire" on Lake Havasu City officers on Wednesday, according to authorities.
Police said 66-year-old Russell Vinton from Prescott Valley is the missing person they are searching for, according to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
The man who was killed by officers after he allegedly fired at them has been identified as 61-year-old Patrick Neal Champion of Tennessee, the CCSO said.
More details: Man driving missing person's truck killed after firing at officers, Lake Havasu City police say
The sheriff's office began searching for Vinton when his wife reported him missing on Oct. 8.
Vinton's wife told deputies he and a friend had gone camping in Jacob Lake and he had not contacted her in several days.
Deputies said they investigated the campsite but didn't find Vinton's truck or travel trailer. However, "other items found at the site were suspicious in nature and gave deputies concern for Vinton’s welfare."
The investigation continued throughout the evening and into the next day.
On Oct. 9, the sheriff's office learned Vinton's truck had been located. It was found in Lake Havasu City by police in an area known as Craggy Wash.
Lake Havasu City police approached the man inside the truck, now identified as Neal, and he allegedly fired gunshots at the officers. Officers returned fire and Neal was killed, the Lake Havasu City Police Department said.
Authorities continue to search for Vinton and his trailer, along with any evidence that can help with the investigation.
Vinton is 6 feet tall and weighs 170 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.
The trailer is described as a white 2017 travel trailer with the Arizona license plate 5LA50N. The sheriff's office said the license plate might have been removed from the camper.
Anyone with information on this case should contact the Coconino County Sheriff's Office at 928-774-4523 or Coconino County Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.
