Armed Suspect Identified, Wanted Man
Mesa County, Colo. – Immediately following the shooting incident that occurred at 3210 B ½ Road, on Saturday, December 14, 2013, the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) was activated to conduct an investigation. The CIRT on this investigation is being lead by the Grand Junction Police Department.In tangent with the Mesa County Coroner's Office, the suspect is identified as Lawrence Sanchez, DOB: 10/16/1964. At the time of his death, he was wanted for escape from a halfway house (Community Corrections) and other related charges by The Colorado Department of Corrections.
Two deputies were placed and remain on administrative leave for their involvement in this shooting, which is standard procedure.
As noted earlier, the CIRT investigation continues. Once complete, likely a matter of weeks, the case will be forwarded to District Attorney Pete Hautzinger, for his review and disposition.
The Critical Incident Response Team is comprised of the following agencies: Grand Junction Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Fruita Police Department, Palisade Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Colorado Bureau of Investigation. It is generally activated when a law enforcement agency is involved in a critical incident to ensure a complete and accurate investigation.
Released on December 16, 2013 ###
Previously Released on December 14, 2013:
Critical Incident Response Team Activated For Shooting Investigation
Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies responding to the area of 32 Road and B 1/2 Road, Grand Junction (East Orchard Mesa), in the early afternoon today located an armed male. The Sheriff's Office SWAT Team and agency negotiators were called to the scene.Late in the afternoon, the adult male suspect was shot by law enforcement. The suspect was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
It is standard practice for a Critical Incident Response Team to be activated and used for an investigation that involves an officer/deputy shooting. In this situation, the Grand Junction Police Department is the lead investigating agency on this case, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies in the County.
Previously Released on December 14, 2013:
The situation is now being considered an officer involved shooting. The situation is being turned over to the Critical Incident Response Team.
Original Posting on December 14, 2013:
The MCSO SWAT Team was called out early this afternoon to deal with a possible barricaded subject in the Clifton area. The team is currently in contact with the male subject. Updates will be made as they are received.
