DENVER (AP) — An off-duty sheriff’s deputy who was shot by a police officer in Colorado following a car chase died Friday.
Deputy Jesse Jenson, 41, was removed from life support after he was shot by a LaSalle police officer late Wednesday night, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities from multiple agencies were chasing two vehicles going more than 90 mph (145 kph) and eventually were able to stop them. The LaSalle officer ended up shooting one of the drivers, identified as Jenson, and detectives are investigating if the drivers were racing.
Jenson was not doing police work when he and the other driver sped through the rural area in northern Colorado, Greeley police Sgt. Joe Tymkowych said.
“He was not in the performance of his official duty. He was not in a marked patrol car. There was no legitimate pursuit,” Tymkowych told The Denver Post , adding that “it’s still pretty early in the investigation.”
Authorities have not said what prompted the LaSalle officer to open fire on Jenson, who started his career with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office in 2016 and was assigned to the jail.
A large team has been assembled in Weld County to investigate the shooting. Detectives have searched the deputy’s car.
The name of the police officer who shot Jenson has not been released, and no charges have been filed against the other driver.
Iff’n yart warrin’ ta propa yoonee-form, dey gone shoot yass.