Colo. Sheriff’s Deputy Fatally Shot; Suspect Found Dead
El Paso CO Aug 9 2022
A “highly decorated” Colorado sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot during a call Sunday.
El Paso County Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Peery was one of three officers to respond to a call shortly after 5 p.m. at Widefield High School in Security-Widefield, KKTV-TV reports.
Gunfire had been reported, and when the two deputies and Fountain police officer reached the scene, they were shot at.
Peery was struck, and the other officer returned fire.
When additional personnel reached the scene, they immediately began performing life-saving measures on Peery but could not resuscitate him, said El Paso County Sheriff Bill Elder.
Authorities sought a 33-year-old suspect following the shooting. The man was later found dead, but no details were released concerning how he died.
Peery, 39, had been with the sheriff’s office for six years. He is survived by a wife and two children.
“Andrew was a highly dedicated, highly decorated SWAT operator for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and he has been with my office since 2016,” said Elder.
The Colorado Springs Police Department is investigating the shooting.
“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,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement.
