The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office says around 5pm Sunday, multiple callers reported a shooting in the area of the 500 block of Ponderosa to Safety. A shelter-in-place order was issued for the area near Widefield High School, but has since been lifted. EPCSO says two El Paso County deputies and a Fountain police officer responded to the scene. As soon as they arrived they were immediately met with gunfire. A deputy, 39-year-old Andrew Peery, was shot with at least one round. Crews tried to save him, but he died on duty. “Andrew was a highly dedicated, highly decorated SWAT operator for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and had been with my office since 2016,” Sheriff Bill Elder said at a news conference Sunday night. The deputies immediately returned fire with at least one round. Further details are scarce, but authorities told 11 News they found the suspect, 33-year-old John Paz, dead, though they have not yet released how he died. Peery is survived by his wife and two children. Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a statement Sunday night, saying, “My thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of Deputy Peery and all of our law enforcement neighbors who put their lives in danger to serve others.” The Colorado Springs Police Department is the lead agency investigating this shooting. This is a developing story and we will update this article as we get new information. There is law enforcement activity in the area of Ponderosa Dr / Grand Blvd. Secure the house and stay away from doors / windows. Shelter in place. Lock all windows and door and draw all curtains and window coverings. Dial 9-1-1 if you are currently experiencing a life or death emergency. pic.twitter.com/qle4XBnJIM — EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff) August 7, 2022 Copyright 2022 KKTV. All rights reserved.
