Man responsible for shooting in hospital parking lot found dead in Evans apartment – Greeley Tribune

Editor’s note: This story may involve domestic violence. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or the Greeley Police Department Victim’s Services Unit at 970-350-9605.

A man who police believe is responsible for the shooting death of a 35-year-old woman in the parking lot of a Greeley hospital Thursday morning was found dead at a home in Evans later that morning.

Greeley police responded to a shooting in the parking lot of UCHealth Greeley Hospital, 6767 W. 29th St., shortly after 8 a.m., according to a news release from the Greeley Police Department.

According to police, a 35-year-old woman came to the emergency room with multiple gunshot wounds. As of 1 p.m. Thursday, she was receiving care and is expected to survive.

According to police, the suspect – a 38-year-old man – fled the scene before officers arrived. However, police quickly learned that he had gone to a home in the 1900 block of McNitt Street in Evans.

Due to the address’s proximity to Chappelow Arts Magnet School and Dos Rios Elementary, Evans police were stationed at the two schools and both were on lockdown for approximately 90 minutes. They were released from lockdown and placed on security status shortly after 10 a.m., according to Theresa Myers, communications director for Greeley-Evans School District 6.

Myers said both schools will provide additional support tomorrow for students affected by the lockdown

When police responded to the McNitt Street address, they saw a car on fire and made brief contact with the suspect – confirming he was alone – before he barricaded himself inside the home, according to the release. At this time, both the Greeley SWAT team and the Weld County Regional SWAT team responded to the scene.

While police attempted to reconnect with the suspect, the vehicle fire spread to the home before firefighters were able to extinguish both. Evans Fire Chief Joe DeSalvo said the only place the fire spread inside the home was the attic.

The SWAT unit eventually entered the home and found the suspect dead, police reported. The press release did not say how he might have died.

Preliminary investigation shows the suspect and victim knew each other before the shooting, and police believe there is no reason to believe it was a random act of violence, the release said. Police did not directly indicate that they believed it was a domestic violence incident, but did provide resources for victims of domestic violence.

The Weld County Coroner will release the suspect’s identity and cause of death after notifying next of kin.

According to police, no further information will be released today. They are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the department at 970-350-9605.

Originally published: October 31, 2024 at 11:10 am MDT