Man accused of shooting camper following dispute near Jerome

PHOENIX — A man has been arrested for allegedly shooting a camper near Jerome following a dispute on Monday night, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim, a 24-year-old man, was shot in his left arm and was treated by personnel for a non-life threatening wound.

Austin Shakleford, 22, of Cottonwood, was suspected of shooting the victim.

After initially denying the shooting, Shakleford said he was aiming at a stump across the river around the time the victim said he was leaving.

The victim told authorities he asked the group to quiet down so he could sleep after they arrived late at night and began creating a lot of noise revving vehicles, dirt bikes and shooting guns.

After the group refused to quiet down, the victim says he began packing up his campsite.

He told authorities he heard more shots while packing and realized he had been struck, believing it was intentional.

Deputies detained five people early Tuesday morning at the campsite and seized three firearms, including a 9mm handgun used by the suspect.

Shakleford has been booked into the Camp Verde Detention Center on charges including disorderly conduct and assault.

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