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U.S. Marshals Warn A Most Wanted Man In Kansas Could Be In Denver

By Tom Mustin

DENVER (CBS4) - He's one of the most wanted men in Kansas, and now the U.S. Marshals Service believes suspected killer Bryan Ridges may be in Denver.

"We have reason to believe he is in the Denver metro area. That's where his ties are. That's where he's been before," Deputy U.S. Marshal Dante Salazar told CBS4's Tom Mustin.

Bryan L. Bridges, a.k.a. "El Chinito"
Bryan L. Bridges, a.k.a. "El Chinito" (credit: U.S. Marshals Service)

Police believe in October of 2014, the then 19-year-old Bridges, also known as "El Chinito," and three other people tried to rob a home in Pittsburg, Kansas. They were surprised by homeowner Taylor Thomas, who was shot and killed.

"It sounded like thunder," said neighbor Mary Sweezy at the time. "I really didn't know what it was; then heard loud screaming, but I thought they were just partying."

Taylor Thomas
Taylor Thomas (credit: CBS)

Salazar says Bridges is the suspected gunman, and he's a dangerous man.

"Mr. Bridges is believed to have pulled the trigger in that home invasion in Pittsburg, Kansas. I would caution the public as far as trying to apprehend him," Salazar said.

Salazar says after the shooting, Bridges and the others fled the scene. Only Bridges is still on the run.

Dante Salazar
CBS4's Tom Mustin interviews Deputy U.S. Marshal Dante Salazar (credit: CBS)

The deputy would not comment on the suspect's ties to Denver or why it's believed he's in Colorado. He did say metro residents need to beware that after 14 months on the run there's a good chance a violent criminal is hiding in the Mile High City.

"Mr. Bridges is armed and dangerous. He's been on the run for more than a year. I would caution the public against approaching him."

Bryan L. Bridges, a.k.a. "El Chinito"
Bryan L. Bridges, a.k.a. "El Chinito" (credit: U.S. Marshals Service)

Bridges is described as Caucasian/Laotian. He's 5-foot-7, 170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has a scar near his right eye. Anyone with information on Bridges' location can call the U.S. Marshal's office or their local law enforcement. The Marshal's Service is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Follow Tom on Twitter @TomCBS4.

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