Police Set Fires to Smoke Out Suspects

Authorities started fires in heavy brush along the San Juan River near the village of Montezuma Creek in hopes of smoking out a pair of alleged cop-killers believed to be hiding in southeastern Utah’s rugged canyon country. The FBI and the Navajo Nation have sought Jason McVean, 26, of Durango, Colo.; and Alan “Monte” Pilon, 30, of Dove Creek, Colo., since May 29. They were among three men wanted for the killing of Cortez, Colo., police officer Dale Claxton in a firefight in which two other lawmen were wounded. Police found the body of one of the three near the shooting scene, an apparent suicide.