Shooting query by FBI nears end

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Phil Stake
Staff writer

SHIPROCK — The FBI is nearing the end of its investigation of a controversial officer-involved shooting near Shiprock Jan. 11, according to Albuquerque-based FBI spokesman Todd Hulsey.

Navajo Police Officer Jerrick Curley, 25, shot and killed Arnold Dan, 25, following a 40-minute car chase that ended at Dan’s residence on Mesa Farm Road about midnight Jan. 11. Curley has 2 1/2 years as a Navajo Police officer. Dan and two friends had allegedly stolen beer from Hogback Mustang on U.S. Highway 64 near Waterflow.

Dan’s family, which has the support of N.M. state Rep. Ray Begaye, D-Shiprock, disputes Curley’s use of deadly force, claiming Dan had stopped the vehicle in an effort to surrender when Curley shot him in the head. Curley also shot and wounded at least one passenger.

Hulsey said that, following the shooting, NPD placed Curley on administrative leave, “as a matter of routine policy.”

The FBI expects to present the results of its investigation to the U.S .Attorney’s office this week. The U.S. Attorney will then decide if any charges will be brought against Curley.

NPD Internal Affairs initiated its own investigation of the shooting, the progress of which has not been made public.