Crime scene police tape in front of blue and red police lights at night. Image by Gerd Altmann
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 5:30 PM PT – Monday, August 8, 2022
Authorities confirmed the death of the suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of a Colorado deputy. John Paz, 33, was found dead Monday, but authorities have not released details surrounding his death. He’s accused of shooting and killing deputy Andrew Peery on Sunday night as Peery along with several other deputies responded to a shooting at a home near Colorado Springs. Officials said when deputies arrived on the scene they were immediately met with gun fire.
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
“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.
A procession took place just before 9 p.m. from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central to Nevada Avenue, then to the sheriff’s office on Vermijo Avenue. The sheriff’s office asked residents to line up on the street and hold up flags for the fallen deputy’s family.
“Two of our deputies, alongside a Fountain police officer arrived on scene almost simultaneously,” Sheriff Bill Elder said at a press conference Sunday night. “As soon as they arrived, they were immediately met with gunfire.”
Peery was a highly decorated swat operator for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. He is survived by his wife and two children.