Earlier this afternoon we reported via push notification and on air shortly after the incident, about a reported shooting south of town in Monte Vista. Below is the press release from Chief George Dingfelder on the incident.
(March 21, 2023—Monte Vista, CO)—Multiple law enforcement agencies are providing assistance in response to an officer-involved shooting in Monte Vista on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 12:35 p.m., two members of the Monte Vista Police Department (MVPD) were dispatched to a home in the 1200 block of S. Broadway on a call of a welfare check. Shortly after officers arrived on scene, a male suspect apparently jumped out of a window, armed with two knives and immediately ran toward the officers, swinging the weapons.
It can be confirmed that a Taser was deployed and the suspect was fired upon outside of the residence.
The suspect, an 18-year-old Monte Vista man, was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
Neither officer was struck by the knives; however, one officer did sustain minor injuries during the incident.
The two veteran officers, with approximately 10 years of police service each, were placed on administrative leave per MVPD policy while the investigation into the shooting takes place. Per MVPD policy, the names of the officers are being withheld; the names of the officers will not be released until the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office makes its ruling and issues the final report in the case.
Since the MVPD was involved, multiple agencies were requested to assist. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation will be the lead investigating agency. Once the investigation is complete, it will be sent to the 12th Judicial District Attorney for review.
This remains an ongoing investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Attached is an image from the body cam video showing the suspect armed with knives.