Kayenta armed prowler still at large
By Cindy Yurth
Tséyi' Bureau
KAYENTA, Ariz., Jan. 15, 2010
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Navajo Nation criminal investigators were scheduled to meet with FBI personnel today (Jan. 15) regarding a reported armed prowler who fired a gun inside a Kayenta residence Tuesday evening.
Criminal Investigator Rodger Yazzie said there are some leads in the case, but the department is trying to sort valid information from rumors.
"Please tell people not to call us unless they have something they could testify to in court," Yazzie said. "I don't want to waste my time chasing rumors."
According to a press release from the Navajo Department of Law Enforcement, a family reported that they returned home at a Navajo Housing Authority residence about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to find an armed man inside their house.
The suspect reportedly pointed the gun at the residents and demanded money.
"The residents were unable to accommodate the suspect," Yazzie said. "He fired one shot inside the home and then disappeared into the darkness."
Yazzie said the family was lying on the floor and was unable to tell police in which direction the suspect fled. No one was hurt in the incident.
The suspect was described as a dark-skinned male, possibly African-American, approximately 5-foot-11 to 6 feet tall. He was wearing black clothing and possibly carrying a black handgun.
Police searched the area but were unable to find the prowler.
Monument Valley High School was on soft lockdown all day Wednesday in response to the incident, although Yazzie said his department did not advise that step.
He added the investigation has been complicated by conflicting rumors.
"People were texting each other like crazy," he said.
Anyone with solid information in the case is asked to call the Kayenta District of the Navajo Nation Police at 928-697-5600, or Yazzie at 928-697-5511.
