Armed standoff in Security-Widefield ends with suspect taken to hospital

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- An armed standoff that began around 2:20pm on Monday finally ended around 7:00pm when the suspect was taken to the hospital.

A sheriff's office spokesperson confirmed around 7:30pm that the man was in custody and receiving medical treatment for injuries after sustained a gunshot wound.

However, it's unclear if the individual was shot by a deputy or by their own firearm.

by a deputy earlier in the afternoon.

Shortly after it began, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office asked residents in the area of Easy Street and Kiva Road in Security-Widefield to be mindful of a heavy law enforcement presence.

The initial call to 911 was from someone reporting what deputies described as a felony menacing.

A few minutes later, dispatch received another call of shots being fired in that area.

Deputies responded to the scene and found a barricaded suspect, who hasn't been identified.

Nearby residents, including two schools, were told to shelter-in-place by securing their doors and windows.

The sheriff's office said residents will receive another notification when the situation has been resolved.

As of 4:40 p.m., the sheriff's office said they didn't have communication with the suspect and couldn't answer if anyone else is inside the home with the suspect.

The sheriff's office brought in both a tactical team and crisis negotiators to ensure a "peaceful solution."

Below is a look at the map of the affected area.

Officials with District 3 told KRDO that Watson Jr. High was released as normal due to the release being when the incident began. However, students headed in that direction were told to return to the school.

Venetucci Elementary School had a controlled release and the school reached out to parents and guardians on information for pick-up.

According to the sheriff's office, students inside the elementary school were not allowed to leave until the scene is safe.

Because the suspect was wounded by a deputy, an outside agency (CSPD) will be brought in to handle the investigation.