A Tennessee Man Was Shot and Killed by Cops Searching for a Missing Prescott Man

Lake Havasu City police investigators shot and killed a man Wednesday while searching for a missing Prescott man.

Russell Vinton, 66, was reported missing by his wife on Tuesday, according to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. Vinton’s wife informed law enforcement that he was camping with a buddy in Jacob Lake, a small, unincorporated town about 40 miles southeast of Kanab, Utah. His wife had not heard from him in a few days, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

When sheriff’s officers from the Page substation arrived at Vinton’s campsite, they discovered objects that were “suspicious in nature and gave deputies concern for Vinton’s welfare,” according to officials. Vinton’s pickup and camper vanished.

Lake Havasu police found the truck Wednesday morning in Craggy Wash, a region outside of Lake Havasu City that is over 300 miles from Jacob Lake via major highways.

When officers “contacted” the occupant of Vinton’s truck, he fired rounds, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Detectives returned fire, killing Patrick Neal Champion, 61, from Tennessee.

Detectives from the Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City police departments were collaborating with the Sheriff’s Office to determine “the circumstances of what led up to this incident,” according to a Sheriff’s Office statement.

Vinton remains missing, and authorities have sought the public for assistance in locating him. His camper, a white 2017 travel trailer with Arizona license number 5LA50N, is also still missing.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office can be contacted at (928) 774-4523. Tips and information can also be reported to Coconino County Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111.

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