In-Custody Death Investigation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2025

In-Custody Death Investigation

Pueblo, CO―On March 29, 2025, at approximately 11:28 p.m., Pueblo Police received a report of a vehicle traveling the wrong way southbound in the northbound lanes of I-25 near HWY 50 nearly hitting an officer's vehicle. Soon after the initial report, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Dillon Dr. and Cesar Chavez Blvd on a report of a traffic accident.

Officers arrived on the scene and learned from witnesses that the suspect vehicle, later determined to be the wrong-way vehicle, was driving northbound on Dillon Dr. at a high rate of speed, failed to stop for its red light, and hit a white BMW. After impact, the driver of the suspect vehicle attempted to steal another car by forcibly removing its driver. Witnesses were able to assist the driver, an off-duty Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputy, in detaining the male suspect until Pueblo Police officers arrived at 11:38 p.m. The Pueblo Police Traffic Investigation Unit and Investigations Division were dispatched to further investigate and process the scene.

The driver of the BMW and off-duty deputy were treated for minor injuries. The suspect was acting erratically and was detained for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence/Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Aggravated Robbery. He was checked by ambulance personnel on the scene before being transported to a local hospital by an officer to obtain a blood sample and jail medical clearance. Upon arriving at the hospital, the suspect became unresponsive. Life-saving measures were attempted by hospital personnel, yet unsuccessful and he was pronounced deceased.

As the man was in custody and in the process of arrest, the 10th Judicial District CIRT (Critical Incident Response Team) has been activated and will be led by the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office (PCSO). PCSO will conduct the investigation as an uninvolved, neutral agency according to standard procedure. The Pueblo County Coroner will identify the deceased suspect after appropriate notifications. The information contained in this press release is based on preliminary information available at the time of its drafting. The Pueblo Police Department's understanding of this incident may change as additional evidence is collected, analyzed and reviewed. The purpose of this press release is to provide timely information to the public. In consideration of the foregoing, please be advised that any statements expressed herein are subject to change at any time. The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

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