A suspect is in custody in connection with a shooting in rural Colorado that left three people dead and one injured after an alleged property dispute.
On Tuesday, Hanme K. Clark, 45, of Westcliffe, Colorado, was arrested by New Mexico State Police and U.S. Marshals near Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to a news release from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office.
During a news conference, Custer County Sheriff Rich Smith said a woman believed to be the suspect’s girlfriend was found “in the vehicle at the time” and investigators are working to determine her involvement.
Clark surrendered peacefully after a 25-hour manhunt began Monday, Smith said. Clark’s father also contacted the sheriff’s office and offered to help.
Clark was found on Tuesday “in the same white [Ram 1500 pickup] truck” from the previous day, Smith confirmed.
A picture of a police officer and crime scene tape.
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Authorities arrested Clark in what the sheriff called a “high-risk felony stop” because he was “already suspected of three counts of first-degree murder.” Smith added that in this situation, suspects are usually ordered out of the car at gunpoint.
Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a shooting on Rocky Ridge Road at 12:59 a.m. Monday, according to a news release from the department.
Members of the Fremont County Sheriff’s SWAT team arrived shortly after, and residents were asked to “shelter in place while they search for the suspect.”
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“4 victims were shot, 3 have died (2 men, 1 woman), 1 woman is in a trauma center in critical condition, but is expected to survive,” the statement continued.
Rob Geers, 63; his wife, Beth Wade Geers, 73; and James Daulton, 58 were identified as deceased. A fourth victim, Patty Daulton — Daulton’s wife — survived and is recovering at a trauma center where she is being treated for her injuries, the sheriff said.
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picture of the crime scene.
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The Daultons and Geers owned property that borders the suspect’s, the sheriff added.
Smith said the case still has a long way to go before it can be presented to prosecutors. The sheriff also praised the “incredible” efforts of his team and their partners to place the suspect in custody following the shooting.
He then declined to continue using the suspect’s name, noting that it was only given to assist in an arrest. Smith instead redirected the press conference to “talk about healing our community and our families.”
“I hope this brings relief to the neighborhood and the community, and more importantly, brings closure to the families of the victims and their friends,” he added.
Clark is awaiting extradition back to Colorado, and the investigation is ongoing.
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