In a tragic turn of events on a Sunday evening in the summer of 2022, a dedicated officer lost his life while protecting his community. Andrew Peery, a 39-year-old male El Paso County Sheriff's deputy, was killed in the line of duty on August 7th in Security-Widefield, a community just south of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was a six-year veteran of the sheriff's office and a decorated member of the SWAT team.
The incident began to unfold when Peery, along with another deputy and a
Fountain police officer, responded to a report of shots being fired in the 500 block of Ponderosa Drive. Upon their arrival, they were immediately met with gunfire from the suspect, 33-year-old John Paz. During the ensuing exchange, Peery was struck by the gunfire. His fellow officers returned fire as they worked to get him to safety. He was rushed to a local hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
As the situation developed, law enforcement discovered a deceased woman in the front yard of the residence. A subsequent search of the home revealed the body of the suspect, John Paz, who appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Colorado Springs Police Department took the lead in the investigation into the deaths of both Deputy Peery and the woman, which they are investigating as homicides committed by Paz.
Andrew Peery was remembered as a selfless and committed officer who knowingly put himself in harm's way to protect others. His final act of bravery was running toward the danger in an attempt to save a life. He is survived by his wife and two children. The community mourned his loss, lining the streets for a procession to honor the fallen hero.
