Suspect killed after gunfire exchange with Fort Collins police: Report

DENVER (KDVR) — A Fort Collins police officer shot Sunday in an exchange of gunfire with another man has been released from the hospital, however investigators say the suspect involved did not survive.

According to the 8th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team, 42-year-old Clayton Pierce was holding a gun and standing outside of a vehicle that had been involved in a rollover crash when officers arrived around 12:41 p.m.

He reportedly “exchanged gunfire with police” at the scene, hitting one officer. That officer was taken to a hospital, but has since been released.

Investigators say Pierce then ran into the Grandview Cemetery where “more gunfire occurred.” He “fell to the ground” at this point and officers provided first aid until he was taken to a hospital where he died.

The CIRT team says Pierce was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the crash, but witnesses said there were two dogs as well. Only one of the dogs has since been located.

There were no other injuries reported, but the CIRT team said several parked vehicles and a police cruiser were hit by bullets.

It’s unclear how many officers fired their weapons and the CIRT release does not include information from the coroner’s office about what caused Pierce’s death.

Anoyone with video of the crash or shooting, or anyone who saw what happened, is asked to call Investigator Bryce Hinrichs at the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office at 970-498-5542. Anonymous tips can also be made to Crime Stoppers of Larimer County by calling 970-221-6868.

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