Man involved in Huerfano County Stand-Off Found Dead From Apparent Suicide

Authorities say man involved in a stand-off in Huerfano County has been found dead.

The Walsenburg Police Department says James Stetler, was found deceased at his home, about 8 miles south of the city, early Saturday morning (12/20/14)

Police say Stetler was involved in a confrontation with Huerfano County Sheriff Bruce Newman on Thursday (12/1814).

At the Sheriff’s home, Newman chased Stetler off his property. Then, police say Stetler fired four to five shots in the air, and left the scene.

On Friday, police went to Stetler’s home.

When the say he got into his vehicle and drove at officers at a high rate of speed.

It looked like Stetler was going to hit a squad car, but he veered out of the way and instead drove past officers and yelled at them.

He then went back to his home, and refused to come out.

The Pueblo County Sheriff SWAT team was called into assist.

Stetler refused to communicate with negotiators, and several hours later, the SWAT team entered the house and found Stetler dead.

Authorities believe the death was a suicide.

Stetler also sent letters to the Sheriff’s office saying he was anti-government, and did not believe in their branch of government.

The Huerfano County Coroner’s office will be conducting an autopsy on a later date.