In the winter of 2016, the community of Grand Junction, Colorado, was shaken by the loss of one of its own. Mesa County Sheriff's Deputy Derek Mace Geer, a 40-year-old male, husband, and father of two, was mortally wounded in the line of duty on Monday, February 8, 2016. A 15-year veteran of the sheriff's office and a U.S. Navy veteran, Geer was known for his dedication to his community and his warm, engaging personality.
On that fateful morning, Deputy Geer was responding to a report of
an armed individual in the vicinity of 30 Road and E Road. He located a person matching the description, 17-year-old Austin Patrick Holzer. When Geer attempted to detain the teen, a struggle broke out. Geer deployed his taser in an effort to subdue Holzer, but the situation escalated tragically. Holzer managed to draw a handgun and fired at Geer, striking him multiple times, including in the face. Despite his grave injuries, Geer was able to radio for help. He was transported to a local hospital where he was placed on life support so that his organs could be donated, a final act of service from a man who had dedicated his life to helping others.
Following the shooting, a manhunt for Holzer ensued. He was discovered a short time later, hiding in the backyard of a nearby residence, and was taken into custody. The investigation that followed revealed Holzer was a runaway with an existing warrant and had a history of drug use. He expressed a desire to avoid being captured by law enforcement.
Austin Holzer was charged as an adult in connection with Deputy Geer's death. In a move that spared the Geer family the ordeal of a trial, Holzer eventually pleaded guilty. In June of 2018, he was sentenced to 70 years in prison for his actions. The death of Deputy Geer left a profound impact on the Grand Junction community, a somber reminder of the risks faced by those in law enforcement.
