PUEBLO, Colo. — Three Pueblo police officers were injured and a suspect was killed in a shootout, prompting criticism from local officials over Colorado’s criminal justice policies, Denver 7 reported.
Police Chief Chris Noeller said officers were searching for a suspect wanted for attempted murder in connection with a Feb. 3 shooting, according to the report. The suspect, described as a self-admitted MS-13 gang member with 14 prior felony arrests, was out on bond at the time.
The March 18 shootout began when officers responded to a shots-fired call. When they arrived at the scene, the suspect opened fire with a rifle, discharging roughly 80 rounds, according to the report. Officers returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene. Three officers were taken to the hospital with injuries and are expected to recover. No civilians were hurt.
During a press conference the following day, Noeller blamed what he called “soft-on-crime legislation” for allowing habitual offenders to remain on the streets.
“The blood of my officers lays at the steps of our Capitol and the reckless and soft-on-crime legislation passed out of there, and I’m tired of the needless violence my officers and our community face because of these policies,” he said. “Over the past four years, the situation for our communities has become increasingly worse. Each year, criminals receive breaks while officers lose qualified immunity.”
Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham echoed those concerns, calling the incident “preventable” and described habitual offenders as a statewide threat.
The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office said four of its deputies also fired their weapons during the incident, according to the report. They have been placed on paid administrative leave, following department protocol.
The 10th Judicial Critical Incident Response Team is leading the investigation.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued a statement supporting law enforcement and praising the officers’ actions in stopping the suspect, according to the report.
