On March 9, at 1810 hours local time, a team of officers approached a trailer in the Wagon Wheel Trailer Park in Limon, Colorado to serve a felony fugitive warrant. The request for assistance came from the U.S. Marshalls service. The suspect opened fire on the approach and killed Officer Jay Sheridan, who was a six-and-a-half-year veteran of the Limon Police Department. Two officers found it necessary to take cover in another portion of the trailer home.
At 10:40 PM a section of wall from the trailer home was ripped off and entry was made by the multi-agency team. The two officers were rescued and the suspect was found dead. The officers were initially thought to be hostages, but it was determined that they were merely cut off. The suspect was found barricaded in another portion of the trailer and he had died of a self inflicted gun-shot wound.
Officer Sheridan is survived by a wife and newborn child.
The Chief of the five-member Limon Police Department, Lynn Yowell said, “This is a time of great emotion for the entire police department. This officer was an outstanding officer and will be greatly missed by his fellow officers and colleagues.”
This tragedy comes on the heels of the death of U.S. Deputy Marshal John Perry, during a felony warrant service on March 8th in St. Louis. U.S. Deputy Marshal Theodore Abegg was wounded in the ankle and Officer Jeff Helbling was wounded when a deflected round grazed his face.
In St. Louis, officers attempted to arrest Carlos Boles on a felony warrant, but instead of surrendering he opened fire. Captain Ed Kuntz Commander of the St. Louis Violent Crimes Unit said of Boles, “The individual was extremely motivated and had made statements prior that he wouldn’t be taken out alive.” He added, “The apprehension of a fugitive is probably one of the riskiest things we do. Most people out there who are wanted know they are wanted.” Carlos Boles was killed by the officers’ return fire.
Remember these fallen officers with your prayers and your increased vigilance.
Be careful out there.
