CORTEZ, Colo. — Cortez Police Department and the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office held a news conference Thursday morning on the fatal shooting of a police officer Wednesday in Cortez.
About 11:25 a.m. Wednesday, Sgt. Michael Moran initiated a traffic stop on South Broadway for a complaint of reckless driving, according to Cortez Police Chief Vernon Knuckles. There were two people inside the suspect vehicle, and one person shot Moran, according to police.
The suspect drove off but was quickly found in the 7500 block of Highway 160-491, according to police.
Police said more shots were exchanged between the suspect and officers at the second location.
The suspect died at the scene. He was identified as Jason Campbell, 44, of Ogden, Utah by the Montezuma County Coroner's Office.
Cortez Police said the second person in the vehicle was taken into custody, but the Montezuma County sheriff said that person was determined to be not involved and was released.
Moran was taken to the hospital, where he died, according to police.
Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin said they were not looking for any more suspects. The second person in the suspect vehicle has been interviewed and released.
Cortez Police said Moran served in the Marine Corps for nine years, serving two tours in Iraq, before joining the department in 2012.
"Sgt. Michael Moran will be remembered by his fellow officers for his dedication and sense of humor," the police department said in a release. "He leaves behind two daughters, many friends, and family."
Anyone with more information about the shooting is asked to call dispatch for the Cortez Police Department and the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office at 970-565-8441.
The Cortez Police Department encourages anyone wishing to help Moran's family to donate to the Fallen Heroes Foundation and avoid any other crowdfunding sites.
> Watch the full news conference below:
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis released the following statement on the officer's death: “I am saddened to hear of the tragic passing of the Cortez Police officer in the line of duty. My thoughts and prayers are with their family, as well as the Cortez Police Department and the community during this time. This officer dedicated their career to serving and protecting their community,”
Polis will order flags lowered across the state for the fallen officer on the day of the memorial service.
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