Law enforcement from six different agencies continue to scour eastern Arizona for a suspected arsonist and gunman, and now they want motorists’ help.
Arizona Department of Transportation electronic message boards along U.S. 60 from Show Low to Globe read, “Caution, Do Not Pick Up Hitchhikers.”
The signs specifically target that route because it’s the closest highway to the remote community of Cibecue, where the man was recently seen on Sunday night.
Navajo County Deputy Sheriff Jim Molesa estimated it’s about 35 miles southeast of Forest Hills, the community where the man is suspected of setting several wildfires and shooting at a U.S. Forest Service officer back on July 3.
Molesa said an individual came into contact with the suspect hiding in his backyard in Cibecue.
“He asked him to please leave his property, and he noticed the blue clothing consistent with the description we’ve had, a shotgun, and a pistol in his back pocket," said Molesa.
Investigators said the hiding spot was consistent with other information indicating that he’s a Mexican national working his way southward toward Globe on his way to the border.
At this point, they’re relying heavily on public help.
But, Molesa warned “he has displayed violence, so if you think it’s him, it doesn’t hurt to call. That’s why 911 is there.”
Meanwhile the investigation will continue to concentrate on eastern Arizona from Show Low down to the Mexico border.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct the name of U.S. 60.