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Suspect admits to firing shots at Fort Lupton officer, affidavit says

FORT LUPTON, Colo. -- An affidavit obtained by our news partners at KUSA reveals that a 19-year-old has admitted to firing shots at Sgt. Christopher Pelton late Monday night.

Pelton was shot in the face during an exchange of fire with the armed suspect, resulting in a shattered jaw. He has undergone two surgeries since the shooting, according to 9News.

The suspect has been identified as 19-year-old Matthew Cotter. He now faces a charge of attempted first-degree murder and two counts of assault.

Cotter admitted to firing "three or four rounds from his handgun at an officer," the affidavit says.

Officers initially responded to the home on Ponderosa Place around 9 p.m. on Dec. 2 after a resident called police to say that her daughter's ex-boyfriend -- identified as Cotter -- had threatened to harm her daughter and then kill himself, according to the affidavit.

Officers arrived and checked the area, but could not find Cotter, reports 9News.

Two hours later, the caller called again to say that Cotter was parked outside the home with his lights turned off. The caller then told dispatch that Cotter was armed.

Officers arrived again at the the home but did not see Cotter. At about 10:49 p.m. an officer said over the radio that shots had been fired, and that an officer and the suspect had been shot, the affidavit says.

Both were then transported to the hospital.

Previous coverage:

FORT LUPTON, Colo. (KRDO) - A Fort Lupton police officer is in critical condition, after being shot in the line of duty.

The incident happened just before 11 p.m. Monday, on the 200 block of Ponderosa Pl. in Fort Lupton. According to a press release by the 19th Judicial Critical Incident Response Team, officers were responding to calls of an armed person attempting to make contact with a person inside a home. The suspect began firing at officers when they arrived on the scene.

Officers returned fire, striking the suspect. Both the suspect and the officer who was hit were transported by helicopter to hospitals in the area. Both are listed in critical condition.

The 19th Judicial Critical Incident Response Team is handing the investigation.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY. Stay with KRDO Newschannel 13 for the latest information.

Article Topic Follows: State & Regional News

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