Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Suspect And Officers Named In Palisade Shooting

Documents Unsealed By Judge, Suspect Photo Released

George Romero, 60, of Palisade
Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies were dispatch to 3826 G Road, Palisade, on the night of March 05, 2014, on a report of domestic violence and assault of an adult female victim. Just moments before a deputy arrived, two officers with the Palisade Police Department arrived and attempted to make contact with the suspect in the driveway of the residence.

Shots were exchanged between the suspect and law enforcement on-scene, however no one was injured or hit during the exchange. The suspect, George Romero, 60, of Palisade, was arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility that same night. The female victim was checked out by medical personnel on-scene, but was not transported for further medical attention.

It is standard procedure to active a multi-agency investigation (CIRT) when there is an officer involved shooting anywhere in Mesa County, just as what occurred in this incident. The CIRT--Critical Incident Response Team was activated the night of the shooting in Palisade. The CIRT investigation, upon completion, will be sent to the 21st Judicial District Attorney for review and determination of charges.

The Mesa County Sheriff's deputy who responded to the scene is Matt King. Deputy King has and will remain working his regular patrol schedule and duties, uninterrupted by his involvement in this incident. According to Palisade Police Chief Tony Erickson, Sergeant Tom Carline and Officer John Cooper were placed on paid administrative leave from the Department. It is standard procedure when officers are involved in a shooting incident.

The arrest affidavit of George Romero and the search warrant of the residence on G Road were unsealed by court order on Monday, March 10, 2014, making the above information releasable. George is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility on a one million dollar cash only bond, set by a judge on March 06, 2014. For updates on any inmate in our jail, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.