MESA COUNTY, Colo – The 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Sunday at 2:46 p.m. in the desert off of 27 ¼ Road.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation. The following information is preliminary and is subject to change as the investigation continues.
Two Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officers went to contact a white van in the desert near the Bookcliffs and 27 ¼ Road. An officer involved shooting occurred.
One BLM officer was shot in the vest and was taken to the hospital as a precaution, but is expected to be OK. Preliminary information indicates a BLM officer was able to return fire and the suspect was killed in the incident.
The suspect’s identity will be released once it is confirmed by the Mesa County Coroner’s Office and next of kin has been notified.
The CIRT is seeking information about the white van and suspect involved in this incident. Anyone who saw or had contact with a white van in the area of the desert and 27 ¼ road in the last few days is asked to call the MCSO Witness Tip Line at (970) 244-3526.
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.
