Condition Of Deputy 'Grave' After Being Shot Multiple Times In Grand Junction

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (CBS4) - A 17-year-old is custody after a sheriff's deputy was shot in Grand Junction on Monday.

The Mesa County sheriff's deputy, identified as Deputy Derek Geer, 40, was shot just after 11 a.m. He was responding to a call about a person wearing a black bandanna over his face and walking around with a gun.

The shooting occurred in the 500 Block of Fruitvale Court. Residents told CBS4's Matt Kroschel they called 911 when they saw the person running down the road.

Henry Stoffel with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office said deputies approached the subject at which point Geer was shot multiple times. He's listed in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

"Probably the most difficult day you could have in law enforcement," Stoffel said. "One of your officers injured in the line of duty is very difficult for everybody. It's a very traumatic event for the agency and the community as a whole."

A law enforcement source close to the investigation told CBS4 the injuries Greer suffered were grave. He's a Navy veteran and father of two. He's been with the sheriff's office since 2001.

"There were no shots fired by any of the deputies. The suspect was arrested a couple of blocks away hiding in a backyard," Stoffel said.

The suspect's name hasn't been released because he's a juvenile.

Schools in that area were put on lockdown. They were lifted at approximately 4 p.m.