Loveland, CO – A domestic violence investigation in Loveland escalated into a fatal officer-involved shooting Wednesday after authorities say an armed suspect allegedly fired at police officers serving arrest and search warrants.
According to the Loveland Police Department, officers responded just before noon Wednesday, July 15, after receiving a report that a suspect had allegedly threatened another person with a firearm at a residence in the 3300 block of Banyan Avenue.
Detectives launched an investigation and later obtained both an arrest warrant and a search warrant. Authorities said the warrants included allegations of domestic violence, felony menacing, criminal tampering and prohibited use of weapons. Investigators also developed information indicating additional firearms were inside the home, along with previous threats of violence and concerning statements allegedly made by the suspect.
Because of those circumstances, the Loveland Police Department’s SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team were called to serve the warrants. Officers confirmed the suspect had barricaded himself inside the residence, and crisis negotiators attempted to establish communication while encouraging him to surrender peacefully.
Police said the suspect eventually exited the residence while armed with a firearm. Officers reportedly deployed less-lethal tools in an effort to gain compliance, but authorities allege the suspect refused commands and fired his weapon at nearby officers. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said no officers or other individuals were injured during the incident.
The Larimer County Coroner’s Office will release the decedent’s identity, along with the official cause and manner of death, after appropriate notifications and examinations are completed.
The 8th Judicial Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has assumed responsibility for investigating the officer-involved shooting, with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office serving as the lead investigative agency. Officials said additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.
