MORMON LAKE – Police/Coconino County Sheriff’s 911 Center received two 911 calls that were made from cell phones yesterday at about 11:23 am in Flagstaff. The first caller advised that an angry man with an assault rifle was at his camp site and that he the caller was hiding behind a tree. The second caller told dispatchers that the original caller had fired a shot at him.

While deputies were enroute to the camp site located off FS Road 125 in area of Kinnikinick Lake, deputies requested the 911 dispatcher call both of the involved parties on their cell phones and advise each of them to disarm and separate themselves.

Upon their arrival, deputies contacted a 51-year old male in possession of a 9-mm semiautomatic handgun. The second involved person was a 44-year old male who was in possession of a semiautomatic assault rifle and two handguns. Investigation revealed that although both individuals were from Anthem, they did not know one another. Both individuals were detained without further incident.

Both individuals were camping in the area and came into contact in the parking lot of the Mormon Lake Lodge convenience store where they had a brief conversation. Afterward, they passed each other while driving in opposite directions.

According to one of the drivers, the other driver turned around and began to follow him. In response to being followed, one of the involved parties stopped and exited his vehicle and fired a single shot in what he described as an attempt to warn the driver who was following him.

He then continued to drive to his camp site as the other driver continued to follow him. Once at his camp site, he exited his vehicle and hid behind a bush. The other individual also exited his vehicle with binoculars and an assault rifle. According to the subject with the binoculars and assault rifle, he believed the other driver had fired a shot at him and it was his intent to obtain the license plate number to provide it to the deputies.

No arrests have been made at this time and the case will be referred to the Coconino County Attorney’s Office for review and possible criminal charging.

In a situation such as this, it is best not to pull over and shoot at a person who may be following you. You should call 911 first and fire only if you need to. While it is legal to defend yourself, A.R.S 13-401 provides that you can be charged should you hit an innocent third party.