Zero COVID-19 curfew citations written by Pueblo Police so far

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- It's day four of Pueblo's COVID-19 curfew, and Pueblo Police officers haven't issued a single citation.

Last Thursday, Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar unveiled a new two-week curfew designed to slow the rise of COVID-19 numbers in the Steel City. Puebloans are required to stay inside their homes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

At a press conference to announce the curfew, Pueblo Police Chief Troy Davenport said violators could face citations up to $1,000. Plus, if anyone is caught outside past curfew, Mayor Gradisar said they will "have some explaining to do."

Yet, Halloween weekend has passed, and zero citations were issued by police.

Sgt. Franklyn Ortega says this has occurred for a few reasons. First, many are complying with the new two-week curfew.

"I think a lot of people realize why the mayor took the steps that he did," said Sgt. Ortega.

However, for those that aren't complying, police want to educate first and write citations later. 

"If you explain the rules and then they follow the rules, then there is no need for a citation in addition to that," said Ortega.

Ultimately, Sgt. Ortega says writing citations is at the officer's discretion. If the public choose to push back against following the curfew, a citation may be issued.