Sheriffs deputy fatally shot near AZ-Utah border

8/27/2010 08:10:19 AM

FREDONIA, Ariz. – Law officers combed a remote desert area in northern Arizona early Friday for a gunman who allegedly shot and killed a Utah sheriff's deputy with a high-powered rifle.

Arizona authorities say Kane County, Utah, Deputy Sheriff Brian Harris was shot about three miles east of Fredonia, a small town just south of the Utah border.

Coconino County sheriff's commander Kurt Braatz said Harris was a resident of Mount Carmel, Utah, married with two daughters.

Officials say Harris, 41, was chasing a burglary suspect, identified as Scott Curley, 23, on foot Thursday afternoon when the suspect allegedly opened fire on Harris, killing the deputy with a high-powered rifle.

The manhunt for Curley 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.