Suspect leads law enforcement on chase from Monument to Pueblo Co.; Shoots out of vehicle
PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado State Patrol (CSP) confirms that a suspect led law enforcement on a chase across Southern Colorado, from Monument to Pueblo County.
Colorado State Patrol tells KRDO13 that troopers received reports of a stolen pickup truck in the Monument area.
CSP says they tracked the car with their aircraft unit as it traveled south toward Pueblo. Troopers pursued the car that exited off the highway at Purcell Boulevard and traveled west. Troopers say they tried to stop the suspect car by deploying a grapple. However, when they deployed the grapple, troopers say the suspect began firing shots at CSP. At that point, troopers reported that they disengaged the pursuit, but law enforcement still trailed the suspect.
CSP says the suspect turned left onto Fairbanks Avenue, and troopers say the vehicle ran off the road into a field. There, troopers report hearing more shots fired from the suspect car. That is when they say a Monument police officer fired at least one round at the suspect, striking them.
The suspect was transported by a flight for life to an area hospital. Officials say no deputies, troopers or other officers were injured in this incident.
KRDO13 asked if the Monument police officer followed the suspect vehicle all the way to Pueblo West, and officials said they could not answer as it's part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials say the suspect was the only person in the vehicle. The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) is now the lead investigating agency. Lake Pueblo State Park Rangers also assisted on scene, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
Law enforcement closed down Purcell Boulevard from Fairbanks Avenue to the highway while agencies search for any potential evidence amid the ongoing investigation. PCSO also noted the Purcell Blvd southbound highway exit is closed as well. They say they are hoping to reopen the roads within a few hours, but they did not have a concrete estimate on timing.
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