Final Day Of “Catch 22” Focuses The Search For A Man Involved In A Dangerous Chase

Today is the last day in Yavapai Silent Witness’s “Catch 22” program. Today we focus on the search for 56-year-old Richard Edward Vukelich. On May 29, 2015, Deputies responded to the area of Hopi Trail in Dewey in reference to a “shots fired” call. Upon arrival, they learned Vukelich had been in a traffic collision in which he struck the victim’s vehicle as he was passing it. Vukelich continued driving away and the victim drove toward his own home until Vukelich appeared again slamming on his brakes in front of the victim. The victim, in fear for his safety, swerved around Vukelich and went to his residence. A short time later Vukelich confronted two other victims after they passed Vukelich in the same neighborhood. Vukelich stopped in the road, got out of his vehicle and pointed a handgun at the victim and his passenger. Vukelich then walked up to the car reached in the driver’s window as he pointed his gun in the driver’s face and took the driver’s handgun from him. Vukelich then fired the gun into a ditch until it was empty. Vukelich then handed the gun back to the driver. The victim then drove to his home. Vukelich followed the victims to their home and continued to point his gun at them. One of the victims went inside their residence, retrieved a rifle and pointed it at Vukelich. Only then did Vukelich leave. Upon contacting Vukelich, a deputy noticed he displayed signs and symptoms of being impaired by alcohol. Vukelich was arrested. Vukelich was convicted but has since violated his probation. He is a white male, five-feet-eleven inches tall and weighs 190 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. His last known address was in Crown King. A $500 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest. If anyone has information on his whereabouts, contact Yavapai Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232 or submit a tip online at yavapaisw.com.