Colorado deputy shot and killed in line of duty; police search for suspect

A Colorado sheriff's department confirmed they are searching for a suspect after one of their deputies was shot and killed in the line of duty.

Deputy Andrew Peery from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office responded to a shooting when a suspect opened fire. He was shot and later died of his injuries. The altercation happened in Widefield, Colorado, around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday night.

The sheriff's department issued a shelter-in-place order shortly after the shooting happened. The office recommended that residents lock their doors and cover their windows.

The department said they are "actively looking" for John Paz, a Hispanic male, as a suspect in the shooting.

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Governor Jared Polis issued a statement in response to the tragedy.

"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. Polis said.

Colorado State Patrol (CSP) also responded Deputy Peery's death.

"Our broken hearts are with the [El Paso County Sheriff’s Office] and the blood and blue family of fallen Deputy Peery. EOW watch, sir," said CSP.

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The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office held a procession for Peery shortly after he was killed. Several law enforcement vehicles drove from the hospital where Peery died to the sheriff's office, and on to a coroner's office. 

They encouraged residents to "line the streets with your flags for the family" to commemorate the fallen deputy.

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Deputy Peery was 39 years old and is survived by his wife Megan and two children. 

Sheriff Bill Elder said Deputy Peery was a highly dedicated SWAT operator and has been with the sheriff’s office since 2016, Fox 21 reported.