Reward Money Grows In Loveland Officer Shooting Case
LOVELAND, Colo. (CBS4) - A Loveland police officer is recovering in the hospital as his fellow officers try to track down the person who shot him during a traffic stop.
After extensive police activity on Monday the search for the person or people who shot Officer Garret Osilka came up empty. Police said they don't know how many people were involved in the shooting, which took place on Sunday night near the intersection of West Eisenhower Boulevard and West 17th Avenue.
Osilka, 36, was trying to pull over an older model blue Jeep Cherokee with temporary plates when someone inside starting shooting.
Resident Logan Ferguson said he heard the first shot.
"I peeked out the door just in time to see Officer Osilka returning fire and then fall to the ground. That's when I ran out there to see if I could help him," he said.
Authorities have increased the reward for tips leading to an arrest in the case to $5,000.
Investigators on Monday were actively checking the scene where the shooting happened, and they also surrounded and then searched an apartment building on Terry Drive near 1st and Dotsero.
"The urgency to locate the party or parties involved has been urgent from the moment it began last night," said Loveland police spokesman Lt. Rick Arnold.
Police found the vehicle they say was involved early Monday, but they don't have a description of the suspect or suspects so far.
"It's scary. You're always on the lookout now, knowing it could be your neighbor. You just don't know who it could be," said resident Amber Eggers.
Osilka was described as being in serious condition at the hospital.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the following tip line: (970) 962-2079.
