Retired ATF Special Agent David Chipman Responds to Shooting in Colorado
Washington, DC — After being called to the scene of a disturbance early Sunday in Highlands Ranch, Colorado five deputies were shot, one confirmed deceased. Two civilians were also shot. In response to the incident, David Chipman, Senior Policy advisor at Giffords and a retired ATF Special Agent of 25 years issued the following statement:
“On the final day of the year a community in Colorado that should be getting ready to celebrate 2018 must deal with a terrible crime scene and five sheriff deputies shot. Law enforcement professionals train to be ready for any situation yet the dangers they face are needlessly increased by shootings like this that have become far too common place for cops responding to a call for help. It is not normal. Our country makes it far too easy for criminals to get their hands on a gun. It’s time for lawmakers to stand up to the gun lobby and pass gun safety laws that can help prevent tragedies like this. Americans must demand for their leaders to show courage and the strength to act to finally stop the gun violence epidemic devastating our nation.”
What we know so far about this situation:
- Deputies were responding to a call of a domestic disturbance at 5:13 am at the Copper Canyon Apartments in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, about 15 miles south of Denver. [ New York Times ].
- Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock clarified that the disturbance was not domestic related despite the original call. [ Douglas County Sheriff’s Office ]
- Douglas County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that five deputies and two citizens were shot and the suspect was shot and is dead. [ KTTV ] [ Denver Channel ]
- Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock identified the fallen deputy as 29-year-old Zackari Parrish, [ Denver Channel ] who joined the force seven months ago. He is survived by his wife and two children. [ CBS News ]
- The unidentified suspect, who was killed in the exchange, was known to police but he did not have a criminal history. Spurlock said the suspect wielded a rifle and fired more than 100 rounds in the encounter. [ CBS News ]
- The extent of the injuries suffered by the six other victims is not known. [ Denver Channel ] Experts Available for Comment:
Law enforcement and gun policy experts are available for comment. Contact media@giffords.org to arrange time to speak with an expert.
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Giffords is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence. Led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, Navy combat veteran and retired NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, Giffords inspires the courage of people from all walks of life to make America safer.