Police seek missing Chinle man, Turquoise Alert issued by Navajo Nation

Police are looking for Orlando Christopher Paisano, 48, who was last seen in Chinle on May 13 and may be driving a black 2004 Nissan Murano with Arizona plate 4JA0MZ. Anyone who sees Paisano in Chinle or elsewhere in Apache County should call Navajo Nation Police dispatch at (928) 674-2111 or (928) 674-2112 right away and give the vehicle description, plate number and location.

The alert falls under Arizona’s Turquoise Alert system, which is used for missing endangered people under age 65 when investigators believe the person may be in danger and have enough information to help the public assist in the search. The system, launched on July 10, 2025, was created by House Bill 2281, signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs on May 13, 2025, and is also known as Emily’s Law in honor of San Carlos Apache tribal member Emily Pike.

Arizona Department of Public Safety says a Turquoise Alert can be issued only after five statutory criteria are met. Those include an unexplained or suspicious disappearance, exhaustion of local resources, and a belief that the missing person is endangered or with a potentially dangerous person. DPS says exhausting resources can include an NCIC entry, BOLOs or flyers, checks of alternate residences, hospitals and jails, cell-phone and in-vehicle location systems, and contacts with family, friends or a social worker when applicable.

For Chinle and surrounding communities, the alert is meant to move information quickly through the Navajo Nation and across Arizona. DPS says Turquoise Alerts are shared through the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, ADOT message boards, agency social media and the AZDPS Alerts website, and the agency has said it expects about 15 to 30 such alerts each year.

The Chinle District of the Navajo Nation Police Department lists Lt. Wendell Bitselley as the district police lieutenant. The district’s dispatch line, which should be used for sightings and urgent information, is (928) 674-2111 or (928) 674-2112. Residents who encounter Paisano should keep a safe distance and contact police immediately rather than approaching him.