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Suspect In Fatal Shooting Of Western Colorado Deputy Identified

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (CBS4) - A 17-year-old Grand Junction male who is facing charges after police say he shot a Mesa County Sheriff's deputy has been identified.

On Wednesday the sheriff's office released a statement saying Austin Holzer is suspected of shooting Deputy Derek Geer in Grand Junction.

Derek Geer
Deputy Derek Geer (credit: Mesa County Sheriff)

Geer, who was critically hurt, was being taken off life support on Tuesday.

Geer allegedly responded to a call late Monday morning of a male walking near 30th and East Road, not far from the Grand Junction city limits. The male had with a gun and wearing a bandana over his face.

Some sort of altercation took place and after Geer tried to use a stun gun to disarm the suspect, the suspect shot him multiple times.

Police say Holzer ran away after the shooting but he was captured soon afterwards hiding in a nearby backyard.

Geer began his career with the sheriff's office in 2001. He is married with two children and served in the Navy, according to Mesa County Sheriff Matt Lewis.

Additional Resources

The following information about this case was released by the Mesa County Sheriff's office.

Critical Incident Response Team. CIRT is currently seeking cooperation from the public in this investigation. If you know anything about Austin Holzer, or this incident, you are encouraged to call the CIRT Witness Tip line, at (970)244-3526. Please leave your name and phone number, and an investigator will contact you.

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