PUEBLO, CO — A dramatic and violent confrontation between police officers and a suspect on Tuesday evening in Pueblo left one man dead and three officers injured. The shooting occurred around 7:15 p.m. near the intersection of West Mesa Avenue and Cedar Street, close to Bessemer Park.
The suspect was identified by authorities as 34-year-old Billy Soto. Soto was reportedly wanted on an attempted murder charge related to a shooting in Pueblo that occurred in February. According to Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller, Soto had been out on bond for three felony cases at the time of the incident.
Police say an officer in the area spotted Soto and attempted to approach him. When the officer tried to make contact, Soto immediately opened fire, striking the officer. In response, additional officers from the Pueblo Police Department and the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene. Shots were exchanged between Soto and law enforcement as the suspect fled, continuing to fire at officers. During the exchange, Soto hit two more officers.
The officers returned fire, injuring Soto, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The three officers who were shot were rushed to a local hospital, where they are all reported to be in stable condition and undergoing surgery. The names of the injured officers have not been released at this time.
In accordance with department protocol, the four deputies involved in the response have been placed on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), under the 10th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CRIT), is leading the investigation into the shooting.
Governor Jared Polis issued a statement expressing support for the injured officers. “Our men and women in uniform work every day on the front lines, and put themselves in harm’s way to protect our lives and communities,” the governor said. “I am closely monitoring this situation and receiving regular updates.”
Chief Noeller also made pointed remarks about the incident, blaming what he described as “soft on crime” legislation for allowing Soto to be out on bond despite his violent history. He stated that the blood of the officers “lays at the steps of the capitol,” suggesting that lawmakers’ actions contributed to the dangerous situation.
As the investigation continues, the Pueblo community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, raising questions about public safety and the impact of bail reform laws. Law enforcement officials and community leaders are calling for further scrutiny of policies that they argue may enable violent offenders to remain free, increasing the risks to public safety.
