A Mesa County Sheriff’s deputy suffered life-threatening injuries when he was shot Monday morning, and a 17-year-old suspect is in custody.
Deputies responded about 11 a.m. to reports of a man with a gun in the 500 block of Fruitvale Court in Grand Junction, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release. The suspect was seen walking south, across the Interstate 70 Business Loop and along railroad tracks south of the roadway.
Deputy Derek Geer, responding to the reports, came across a man matching the suspect’s description near E Road and 30½ Road.
The man tried to flee, and Geer deployed his Taser.
“The suspect then fired several rounds at Deputy Geer, striking him multiple times,” according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect fled on foot.
Deputies responding to the scene found Geer, who was unresponsive. At 11:17 a.m., deputies notified dispatch of an “officer down.”
Geer was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he remained overnight.
Sheriff’s deputies and law enforcement officers from nearby agencies flooded the area to hunt for the suspect. Area schools were put on lockdown, streets were cordoned off and some law officers involved in the search wore armor and carried rifles. Police dogs were also used to search for the suspect.
Just after noon, the suspect, a 17-year-old white male, was taken into custody in the 400 block Olson Avenue.
Geer, 40, a U.S. Navy veteran, has served with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office since October 2001. He is a husband and father of two children, ages 13 and 11.
Sheriff Matt Lewis gave a press conference Monday evening which was then posted on YouTube.
“This is truly a tragedy for us,” Lewis said of the shooting. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Geer and his family during this tragic time.”
An investigation into the incident has been turned over to the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team.
Lewis said a handgun used by the suspect, who was reported to have been wearing a bandana over his face, has been recovered by investigators.
The name of the suspect was not released. Charges are pending, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Noelle Phillips: 303-954-1661, nphillips@denverpost.com or @Noelle_Phillips