Convicted felon Rex Ferguson arrested for firearms possession after shooting another man near Seligman
Sedona AZ (June 6, 2013) – PRELIMINARY REPORT – On June 5, 2013, just after 6 PM, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Hualapai Nation Police Department regarding a shooting incident in the Hyde Park area.
Hualapai Nation police officers had contacted two injured adult males, one of whom had been shot in the shoulder by a rifle. Both subjects had been airlifted to a hospital in Las Vegas, NV.
The two men, Edward Blanchette, 49, and Calvin Andrews, 63, injuries were not life threatening.
Deputies interviewed a third individual involved, 55-year-old Rex Ferguson, who told them he had been socializing and drinking with Blanchette and Andrews at his campsite off Antler Trail in Hyde Park. Ferguson stated that during an altercation amongst the group, Blanchette brandished a handgun and pointed it at those present, including his friend Andrews. Ferguson then retrieved a rifle and shot Blanchette in the shoulder. Ferguson was detained and detectives from the Criminal Investigations Bureau were called to investigate.
YCSO detectives also initiated contact with Las Vegas Metro Police Department for follow-up with Blanchette and Andrews who were being treated at a Las Vegas area hospital. Both Blanchette and Andrews provided statements similar to the story Ferguson shared with deputies. The dispute concerned the behavior of dogs at the campsite.
Detectives located and seized all involved firearms.
Initially it was believed Andrews has sustained a gunshot wound to the head. It was later determined his injuries were less serious and likely not the result of a gunshot, but non bullet fragments.
A records check revealed that Ferguson was a convicted felon and legally prohibited from possessing deadly weapons. As a result, he was booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center on a felony charge of Weapons Misconduct – Prohibited Possessor.
The investigation into the incident continues and it will include a review of other possible charges against individuals involved. The Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the Las Vegas Metro Police Department and the Hualapai Nation Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov.
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