Injuries to Pueblo Police officers in shootout that left one man dead were result of ‘friendly fire,’ investigation says
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) says injuries sustained by two officers in a shooting that left one man dead were the result of "friendly fire."
The incident stemmed from an alleged home invasion in the 1600 block of Gaylord Avenue on the night of October 10. According to officers, at the time, they were advised that the suspect had fled in a Dodge Ram and was armed.
PPD says they spotted the car and started a pursuit that ended when the suspect abandoned the truck on Regency Boulevard and ran into an apartment complex. According to officials, they tracked the man to an upstairs apartment and knocked on the door, identifying themselves.
When the suspect opened the door, PPD says gunfire broke out between the suspect and officers. Medical personnel treated the suspect at the scene, where he was pronounced dead. No members of the public were injured during the incident.
The Pueblo County Coroner's Office has identified the man killed as 36-year-old Luis Antonio Morales. PPD says the circumstances around Morales' death are "tragic," and they extend their condolences to his family and loved ones.
According to PPD, Officer Justin Ortiz sustained a graze wound to their ankle. The second officer involved, Officer Jonathon Woehler, suffered gunshot wounds to both legs and was taken to a local hospital. PPD says Officer Woehler was on October 12, and both officers are still recovering.
According to PPD, an investigation by the 10th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) determined that the injuries sustained by the two officers were the result of gunfire from fellow PPD officers, also known as friendly fire.
CIRT interviewed all the officers involved before allowing this information to be released, PPD says. It also says CIRT recovered a firearm at the scene.
PPD Chief Chris Noeller released the following statement in a press release:
"We strive to grow from the most difficult circumstances which ultimately help us become a better agency. It is always our goal to learn and grow from the most challenging issues and that’s what we will do with this incident. We will let the evidence guide our work and make meaningful improvement that helps protect our officers and the people we serve in the Pueblo community.
As the facts are established, we will examine the incident carefully, including tactics, positioning, communication and decision making. Then this will determine how we improve our training, equipment and procedure for the betterment of the Pueblo Police Department and the community we serve."
PPD says the reviews from CIRT and Internal Affairs is still open, and the department will provide more information as the reviews are completed.
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