A deputy was shot and killed while responding to a shooting call, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO).
Shelter-in-place orders have been issued for a neighborhood near Ponderosa Drive and Grand Boulevard by ESPO.
The Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for John Paz, a Hispanic man suspected of being involved in the shooting.
Who Is John Paz From Widefield High School Shooting?
The Sheriff’s Office is looking for a Hispanic man in connection with a shooting that occurred earlier on Sunday, prompting a shelter-in-place order in the Widefield-Security area.
John Paz is the man’s name. On Sunday evening, the Sheriff’s office posted a photo of him on Twitter.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office advises residents in Security-Widefield to seek shelter near Ponderosa Drive and Grand Boulevard. The Sheriff’s office asked residents to secure their homes and avoid windows and doors in a social media post.
This is in response to ongoing law enforcement activity in the area concerning a shooting. They advise the public to only dial 911 in life-threatening situations.
The Sheriff’s Office has identified John as a 33-year-old man born in 1988/1989, but no further details have been released.
Shooter John Paz Wanted For Killing Officer Andrew Peery
Sheriff Bill Elder of El Paso County announced the death of a deputy killed in the line of duty on Sunday. Elder identified the fallen deputy as Andrew Peery while speaking with a journalist from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central.
Andrew was killed in the 500 block of Ponderosa Drive in Security while responding to a shooting. According to Bill, Andrew and another deputy arrived nearly simultaneously with a Fountain police officer and were met with gunfire.
The deputy officer was hit by at least one round, and the officers fired at least one round in response. Police are actively looking for John Paz, and John is armed and dangerous.
Deputy Andrew’s body is being transported to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office by a law enforcement procession.
“My thoughts and condolences are with Deputy Peery’s family and friends, as well as all of our neighbors in law enforcement who risk their lives to serve others,” Governor Jared Polis said in a statement issued Sunday evening.
Where Is John Paz Now? Update On His Family On Facebook
John Paz is on the run from the Sheriff, and the Sheriff’s doing everything they can to find and arrest him.
Sheriff Bill Elder has asked that anyone who knows where John is contact 911 or dispatch at 710-390-5555. After learning of his crime, John’s family may be shocked.
His family has not commented on the situation, and the EPSO has yet to release any information about him. Facebook is flooded with news of Deputy Andrew’s death, and people express their sympathy and condolences.
Andrew was married to Megan, and the couple had two children.
“Andrew was a highly dedicated and decorated SWAT operator for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office before joining my office in 2016,” Elder said.
“This loss has deeply saddened and broken us,” a department statement said. “At the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, we mourn with our families. Rest easy, Deputy Peery. We will never forget your commitment to not only the residents of Security-Widefield but to the entire county of El Paso. You made the ultimate sacrifice, and we will be eternally grateful.”
Colorado Springs will take over the case, as is customary when there is an officer-involved shooting at EPSO, with the District Attorney’s Office heavily involved.