Man with gun threatens band campers in Prescott

PRESCOTT, AZ - Authorities in northern Arizona are searching for an armed man who allegedly threatened members of a high school band practicing on a field.

Yavapai County Sheriff's officials responded to a report of a gun-wielding man about 9:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Emmanuel Pines Camp in Prescott.

Witnesses say the man approached the group and told them to "stop making noise" at that hour of the night.

They say the man brandished a handgun and at times pointed the weapon directly at band students and staff.

When the man walked away, the 52-member band was escorted from the field and placed on lockdown.

Deputies searched the neighboring area, but weren't able to locate the suspect.

The man is described as a white male, in his 50’s, shorter grey hair, approximately 6’ tall. He was wearing grey basketball type shorts with a stripe on the side and a red or salmon colored polo shirt. He is described as having a “beer belly,” was dirty and sweaty, and “really tan” as if he worked outside frequently.

According to witnesses, the suspect spoke with an accent of some type – possibly British or New York based. One witness did not notice the accent, but commented that the suspect’s speech was slurred.

Another witness said the suspect has a tattoo, unknown type, on his right forearm. The tattoo is closer to the wrist area that the elbow.

Police say it's possible the man lives in the vicinity of the camp.

The YCSO would appreciate assistance from the public in identifying and locating this suspect. Please contact YCSO at 928-771-3260 or report the information anonymously to Yavapai Silent Witness at 1800-932-3232.