Navajo County Deputy Sheriff Robert William Varner Jr. was shot while on patrol along Interstate 40 during a traffic stop on New Year’s Eve 1988. The stop involved a vehicle later determined to be stolen and carrying stolen license plates; the two occupants opened fire on Deputy Varner. He was 51.

One suspect was captured the next day in Holbrook. The second suspect, identified as Douglas Savory, was tracked to a ranch outside Winslow where a standoff unfolded. Savory fired an AK-47 at officers, emptied the rifle, retreated into the house, and after tear gas was deployed a final gunshot came from inside; Savory died by a self-inflicted wound. Deputy Varner died of his wounds on January 2, 1989, and is remembered by colleagues and the community.

Does anyone have memories of Deputy Varner, details about the pursuit, or information that could add to the record?