Arizona rancher arrested in dispute with Hualapai Tribe

KINGMAN, Ariz.— A long-running feud between the Hualapai Indian tribe and northwest Arizona dude ranch owner Nigel Turner prompted Turner’s arrest on Tuesday.

The parties have been at odds over construction improvements on the Diamond Bar Road that leads to the tribe’s Grand Canyon Skywalk attraction.

Tribal spokesman Dave Cieslak issued a news release that said Turner walked into a restricted area of the road construction site and berated construction personnel. The Grand Canyon Resort owner refused to leave when warned his arrest was imminent, the release said. Cieslak said a tribal officer placed Turner in custody for a misdemeanor trespassing violation. Turner complained of chest discomfort as he was being transported to the county jail.

Cieslak said an ambulance was summoned that subsequently took Turner to Kingman Regional Medical Center. Hospital spokeswoman Jamie Taylor said Turner left “on his own accord.”

Cieslak said a trespassing report will be submitted to the Mohave County attorney’s office. Chief prosecutor Jace Zack said the report, not yet received, will be reviewed for a charging decision.

Turner has previously been arrested following allegations he threatened a construction worker. He also established a toll road at the start of Memorial Day weekend, with his staff staff charged tourists fees for using the portion of road on his property that leads to the attraction.