Man Shot After Trying to Carjack Deputy

Pueblo, Colorado — A man was shot after he led police on a chase, then tried multiple attempts to steal another car at gun point in order to continue running from police late Sunday night.

Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, report dispatching deputies at around 10 p.m. to the scene of an alleged carjacking at a local convenience store in the 3500 block of North Elizabeth St.

As detectives were processing the scene, they discovered the reported stolen 2004 Dodge truck nearby, but did not know the whereabouts of the suspects who had stolen the vehicle.

Deputies were speaking with 34-year-old Joshua Russell, the driver of a black Cadillac Escalade, and his female passenger, when suddenly Russell jumped into his Escalade and fled the scene, leaving his companion behind.

In his hurry to flee, Russell crashed into a lingerie shop and damaged the front of his vehicle before continuing to run from law enforcement down U.S. Highway 50.

The damage to Russell’s car forced it to come to a stop in the 800 block and the suspect then exited with an “AR-15 style weapon,” and tried to steal another car from passerby’s on the highway.

The first person he tried to carjack at gun point simply drove away, but Russell tried again with the next car, which happened to be driven by an off-duty Pueblo County Sheriff’s deputy who was headed home after his shift.

The off-duty deputy drew his weapon and fired at, or nearly at, the same exact time as an on-duty officer who also fired at Russell.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say that Russell didn’t match the description of the initial carjacker, so they are not sure why he was running at this time.

His female companion who was left behind when Russell ran from police is said to be cooperating with investigators.

Neither officers were injured, and no other wounds were reported. Both officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave according to protocols and policies until the investigation is complete.

Detectives would like to speak with the occupants of the first car that Russell attempted to carjack since they drove away from the scene. Those individuals, or anyone with information about the ongoing investigation, are encouraged to call 719-553-2502, or contact Detective Jose Medina directly at 719-320-6006.

This attempt to rob an officer of the law inside their own vehicle happened just last week in Colorado Springs, with an outcome much the same.