Suspect in shooting that left an El Paso Co. Sheriff’s deputy dead was employed with the U.S. Air Force Academy

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- According to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the suspect in a double-homicide, that left an El Paso County Sheriff's Deputy dead, was employed with the academy.

The Colorado Springs Police Department says when two deputies and a Fountain police officer arrived at the scene of a shots fired call in Security-Widefield, they were met with gunfire.

One of the deputies, 39-year-old Andrew Peery, was hit. He later died at a hospital. Investigators also found a woman dead in the front of the yard. Her name has not been released.

The suspect, 33-year-old John Paz, was later found dead inside of the house from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Monday, the U.S. Air Force Academy confirmed that the Paz was currently employed at the 94th Flying Training Squadron in the U.S. Air Force Academy Airfield.

The USAFA told KRDO Paz began working there on Dec. 5, 2021.

Below is a statement the USAFA released to KRDO:

The U.S. Air Force Academy expresses our deepest sadness at the loss of life, to include El Paso County Sherriff's Deputy Andrew Peery on Sunday. Our condolences go out to all the friends and family affected by Sunday's incident. We can confirm that suspect John Paolo Paz was employed at the 94th Flying Training Squadron at the U.S. Air Force Academy Airfield. The Colorado Springs Police Department is the lead for this investigation, and we would refer you to them at 719-444-7000.

U.S. Air Force Academy

CSPD says the deaths of Dep. Peery and the other victim are being investigated as homicides committed by Paz.