Missing person case in Arizona: suspect shot, search continues

PHOENIX – Police investigating a missing person case in Arizona shot and killed an armed man who was found in the truck of the man they were searching for this week, authorities said.

The truck’s owner, Russell Vinton, 66, of Prescott, was reported missing Tuesday along with his truck and a trailer.

He was last seen Saturday at a campsite near Jacob Lake, north of the Grand Canyon in Coconino County, hundreds of miles from where his truck was found in Lake Havasu City.

What is the connection between the Arizona missing persons case and the police shooting?

The fatal police shooting occurred in a desert area near Craggy Wash. Two Lake Havasu Police Department detectives were on scene Wednesday morning following up on a report that Vinton’s truck had been seen there.

When they arrived, a man inside the truck began shooting at them, according to Bullhead City police, who are investigating the shooting.

The detectives took cover and returned fire. The suspect then drove toward them and crashed into their vehicle, police said.

Detectives continued shooting and struck the suspect as he exited the truck.

Patrick Neal Champion, 61, of Tennessee, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The detectives were treated for their injuries resulting from the collision and have since been released from hospital.

Vinton and his white 2017 trailer remain missing. He is 6 feet tall and weighs 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is investigating his disappearance. Anyone with information about the Arizona missing persons case is asked to call 928-774-4523 or the Coconino County Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.

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