A tragic incident unfolded in Glenwood Springs on Monday when a police officer was forced to shoot and kill a man wanted on an outstanding warrant. Police Chief Joseph Deras revealed that the man brandished a firearm outside a shopping center, prompting the officers to take action.
The officers, on routine patrol, recognized the man as someone wanted for felony firearm violations. When they approached him in full uniform, the man pulled out a gun, forcing the officers to retreat. One officer fired at the suspect, injuring him, as he attempted to reach his vehicle. The man then hid behind his vehicle, leaving the officers unsure of his intentions.
Tragically, the man succumbed to his injuries at the scene, confirmed by Glenwood Springs fire personnel. The identity of the deceased will be released by the Garfield County Coronerâs Office. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is assisting in processing the scene, while the Garfield County Sheriffâs Office will handle the criminal investigation.
The officer involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave as the police department conducts an internal investigation. All witnesses in the shopping center are urged to come forward with any information they may have.
Deras mentioned that only one officer fired shots during the incident, and the investigation will determine the exact number of shots fired. The entire altercation took place in the shopping center parking lot, where a high-capacity firearm belonging to the suspect was recovered.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.
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