Mesa County Deputy Geer To Be Taken Off Life Support

0
937

MESA COUNTY, COLORADO — Deputy Derek Geer will be taken off life-support after being shot multiple times while on-duty.

The family of Deputy Geer released the following statement: “Our hearts are broken, as we begin the process of grieving the tremendous loss of Derek, our husband, father, son, and friend.  The love and support that has been poured out to our family over the last 24 hours is humbling; the gratitude for Derek’s sacrifice and the compassion from this community is a reminder of the good in this world.  As a family, we need to wrap our arms around one another and try to find ways to begin to heal.  We thank you in advance for allowing us privacy while we grieve.” – Kate Geer

The family has set a GoFundMe page that can be found here. Part of it reads: “On February 8, while responding to a call regarding a suspicious male carrying a gun, Deputy Derek Geer, with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, was shot numerous times and subsequently killed by the armed suspect. Deputy Geer was a beloved member of his agency, as well as a husband, son, Navy veteran, and father of two children.”

“It is important that we provide the most accurate information on the condition of Deputy Derek Geer and to clarify any misconceptions that have been published,” the Mesa County Sheriff said. “Unfortunately, Deputy Geer’s condition has not improved. He is on life-support so he can perform one last selfless act of service by donating his organs.”

EARLIER UPDATE: At 11:06 am, deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 500 Block of Fruitvale Court on a report of a suspicious male with a gun. The male was seen walking south, crossing I-70 Business Loop and the railroad tracks south of the roadway. A description of the suspicious male was aired and Deputy Derek Geer contacted a male matching the description near E Road and 30 1/2 Road.

After a short interaction, in which Deputy Geer told the suspect he was being detained as part of the weapons investigation, the suspect attempted to flee. Deputy Geer deployed his taser. The suspect then fired several rounds at Deputy Geer, striking him multiple times. The suspect then fled the scene on foot.

Other deputies, responding to the initial call, arrived and found Deputy Geer unresponsive. At 11:17 am, the deputies notified dispatch of an “officer down.” Deputy Geer was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital with life threatening injuries where he remains at this time.

Cayuwd3UsAALAyt

Law enforcement officers from every agency on the valley responded to the area to assist in the search for the suspect. At 12:04 pm, the suspect, a 17 year old white male, was taken into custody. Charges are pending.

The investigation into the incident has been turned over to the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team.

Deputy Geer is a Navy veteran and has been employed with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office since October 2001. He is a husband and father of two children, 13 and 11.

Facebook Comments