COLORADO SPRINGS — The Colorado Springs Police Department says the suspect is dead after a shelter in place was ordered for the neighborhood southwest of Woodmen and Academy Rd after shots were fired at officers overnight.
According to CSPD, a call came in from a neighbor around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday after at least one shot was fired into their home by the suspect. As officers arrived the suspect fired at least once at them. A negotiation effort then began as the shelter in place was ordered for the immediate area around 6900 Palace Dr.
People were asked to stay indoors, avoid windows and doors. Woodmen Rd was briefly blocked off for this incident, but is open as of 5:25 a.m. Police were also in the parking lot for Hobby Lobby to block off access as the incident is just behind the building.
CSPD spokesperson Sgt. Jason Newton says the suspect had one person in the home with them at the time of the incident.
The tactical unit took over the effort in the middle of the night and an officer exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Officers were able to rescue the person held in the home and resumed trying to talk to the suspect. This morning, the officers entered the home to find the male suspect dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
Now the investigation moves to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office with the findings turned over to the 4th Judicial District for review.
The suspect was identified as 51 year old Zillanz Winter Falcon, and the cause will be determined by the El Paso County Coroner's Office.
The streets impacted:
If you have not done so already, consider signing up for Peak Alerts from El Paso and Teller County emergency officials. You will recieve notifications impacting your neighborhood or the entire region, to include police and fire activity, plus any weather-related information. Sign up here: elpasoteller911.org/246/Peak-Alerts
