PUEBLO, Colo. — A man suspected of shoplifting died Tuesday afternoon after being struck by a police patrol vehicle, according to the Pueblo Police Department.
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. near the Famous Footwear store on the north side of Pueblo, close to Buffalo Wild Wings. Police say the suspect shoplifted items from the store and fled the scene.
Officers pursued the man to the Colorado State Patrol building, located behind the Famous Footwear store. During the encounter, the suspect reportedly brandished a firearm and refused police commands to drop the weapon.
An officer, whose name has not been released, then struck the suspect with the patrol car. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Pueblo County Coroner’s Office will release the suspect’s identity at a later time.
The Critical Incident Team, led by the Colorado State Patrol, has launched an investigation to determine whether the use of force was justified.
