Police: Witnesses not cooperating in two most recent shootings

Those who witnessed the two most recent shootings in the city are not cooperating with police, according to Pueblo police Sgt. Eric Gonzales.

“Witnesses who’ve seen and maybe even know who the shooter is aren’t cooperating. They might be reluctant. There may be a code of silence among the members who were there or maybe some people are reluctant fearing retaliation in some way,” Gonzales said.

The first shooting occurred last Wednesday afternoon when Isaac Lucero, 15, was shot on the 2200 block of East 11th St. and later died. Police are looking for two or three people responsible but don’t have a description of the shooter(s).

Then, on Sunday night, two women, ages 17 and 21, were shot on the 600 block of East Arroyo Ave. while outside. Police said someone in a dark-colored lifted truck stopped in front of the home and shot at them. In that case, police also do not have a description of the shooter.

“When you have a sense that these people know who it may be or what’s going on, and then you have different people telling different stories, that’s where the lack of cooperation comes in and it makes it more difficult for the detective and the officers because now it’s taking them longer,” Gonzales said.

Lucero’s uncle believes police know who killed his nephew but are working to gather enough evidence. Still, he’s asking for the public’s help in finding the person responsible.

“If somebody out there does know who the shooter was, who shot my nephew, I wish they would come out,” James Lucero said.

Police are investigating whether Isaac Lucero’s death was a result of gang violence but James Lucero said he wants to clear his family’s name.

“Anybody out there who’s portraying him as a gang banger, he wasn’t heavy into gangs or anything where he would carry around some type of weapon or anything cause he just wasn’t that way,” James Lucero said.

Those who have information on either shooting can leave an anonymous tip by calling Pueblo Crime Stoppers at 542-STOP.

No arrests have been made in either case.