Yesterday morning at about 10 AM the “person of interest” was spotted by a forest service crew. When they attempted to make contact the suspect fire shots at the crew. He is supposed to be armed with a shotgun and a pistol.
The contact/shots fired took place approximately 1/4 mile south of Canyon Point Campground.
Residents of the campground have been evacuated as a precaution.
DPS, Coconino County and Navajo County Deputies, as well as Forest Service LEO’s are actively searching for the suspect.
He appears to be familiar with the forest and may be on the move.
Please familiarize yourself with this photo of the suspect and if any sightings happen, assume that he is armed and considered dangerous, so do not approach, but call 911 immediately.

7/3/17
The Hilltop Fire is approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile from the Black River on San Carlos Reservation. A Type 2 Incident Management Team will be assuming control of the fire at 6:00 pm this evening. Cedar Creek and Canyon Day communities are still on pre-evacuation notice. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

White Mountain Apache Tribe Emergency Management has issued a pre-evacuation notice for the communities of Canyon Day and Cedar Creek due to the Hilltop Fire that began on San Carlos Apache Reservation. More information to follow.

Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect for Apache & Navajo Counties, Apache Sitgreaves National Forest and many jurisdictions in the White Mountains and surrounding communities. A brush fire was reported at 9:00 pm in Lakeside in a heavy grassy area. A burned consumer fireworks container was discovered in the burned area. A reminder that during stage 1 fire restrictions consumer fireworks are not allowed and fireworks are never allowed on National Forests. Stage 1 fire restriction also limit smoking to an enclosed building, vehicle or designated smoking area. Be safe this holiday weekend and keep our communities safe by observing the fire restrictions.