A “pipe-wielding” man was shot and killed by a Saguache County sheriff deputy Thursday afternoon, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. It is also assisting the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation of the fatal shooting.
On Thursday, July 25, at approximately noon the deputy was driving near Crestone about a mile from the entrance of the Baca Grande Subdivision to serve papers when he saw a 40-year-old white man that the deputy recognized as having an active warrant.
When the deputy attempted to talk with the man he began attacking the deputy with a four-foot metal pipe. The deputy fired on the man and hit him twice. The deputy then performed life-saving measures but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The deputy was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and released for minor injuries.
The identity of the man is not being released until his family has been notified. An autopsy is pending.
This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released by CBI and the District Attorney’s office.
12th Judicial District Attorney Anne Kelly could not comment on the situation except to say there is “no threat to the community.”