Holly MatkinEl Paso County, CO – A manhunt is underway for a gunman accused of fatally shooting an El Paso County sheriff’s deputy on Sunday night.
The incident occurred in the 500-block of Ponderosa Drive at approximately 5:07 p.m. on Aug. 7, KRDO reported.
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO) Deputy Andrew Peery, a second EPCSO deputy, and A Fountain Police Department (FPD) officer responded to the area for a report of shots fired and arrived at nearly the same time, El Paso County Sheriff Bill Elder told reporters outside UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central on Sunday night, KOAA reported.
Sheriff Elder said the three law enforcement officers were “immediately met with gunfire,” KRDO reported.
At least one officer returned fire, but it is unclear if the suspect was hit, according to KOAA.
Deputy Peery, 39, was fatally wounded in the attack.
The gunman managed to escape, leading to a large-scale manhunt.
The EPCSO said they are “actively looking” for a 33-year-old Hispanic male named John Paz, FOX News reported.
Investigators said Paz should be considered armed and dangerous.
We are actively looking for a Hispanic Male John Paz related to this shooting. https://t.co/Em6LtvHJ3E pic.twitter.com/6OYGEUTQR3
— EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff) August 8, 2022
The sheriff’s office issued a shelter-in-place directive in the area shortly after the fatal shooting occurred, FOX News reported.
They further recommended that residents cover their windows and lock their doors.
There is law enforcement activity in the area of Ponderosa Dr / Grand Blvd. Secure home and stay away from the doors / windows. Shelter in place. Lock all windows and door and draw all curtains and window coverings. Dial 9-1-1 if you have a life or death emergency at this time. pic.twitter.com/qle4XBnJIM
— EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff) August 7, 2022
A procession of law enforcement vehicles escorted the slain hero’s body from the hospital to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office on Sunday night, FOX News reported.
Offices and the public have lined up at the El Paso county corners office, waiting for the procession of Deputy Andrew Peery who was killed in the line of duty today. @KOAA pic.twitter.com/DgDqHUZ3FQ
— Adam Knapik (@adamknapik) August 8, 2022
Sheriff Elder said Deputy Peery was “a highly dedicated, highly decorated SWAT operator for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office,” according to KOAA.
The six-year department veteran leaves behind his wife, Megan, and two children.
“My thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Deputy Peery and all our neighbors in law enforcement who put their lives at risk to serve others,” Colorado Governor Jared Polis said in a statement on Sunday evening, KOAA reported.
It is with a heavy heart that we share Deputy Andrew Peery has been killed in the line of duty. More information will be forthcoming. https://t.co/Em6LtvHJ3E pic.twitter.com/HqsOImUqdw
— EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff) August 8, 2022
The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Colorado Springs Police Department are handling the ongoing investigation into the attack.
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