Grand County Sheriff Brett Schroetlin and three of his deputies are on paid leave after the sheriff fired on a burglary suspect brandishing a knife, an official said.
The suspect, 20-year-old Connor James MacLaird, was "shot multiple times, after advancing on officers while brandishing a knife," according to a news release issued by Moffat County Sheriff KC Hume, who is handling media inquiries on the shooting.
MacLaird was airlifted to St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood where he was in critical condition on Tuesday afternoon, a hospital official said.
"MacLaird is expected to survive his injuries," Hume said in the news release.
A burglary was reported at Snooty Coyote Liquors in Tabernash, Colo. around 2:30 a.m.
"Grand County Sheriff Schroetlin was on scene at the time of the shooting, after being requested to assist in locating the suspect with his K-9," Hume said.
"During the investigation of the reported burglary, a suspect was located near the liquor store," Hume added. "When contacted, the suspect advanced toward the responding law enforcement officers. The suspect was allegedly brandishing a knife at the officers as he advanced; the suspect was shot by law enforcement."
"Sheriff Schroetlin discharged his handgun at MacLaird, when MacLaird refused to drop a knife he was brandishing at the officers," Hume said. The news release didn’t make clear whether other officers also fired on the suspect.
Shooting happened here at the Fireside Inn in Tabernash after a burglary down the street at a liquor store. pic.twitter.com/UQZCcbjmPe
— Jennifer Kovaleski (@JennKovaleski) September 15, 2015
"MacLaird has not been charged with a crime and is not currently under arrest. He is receiving necessary medical treatment, which is a priority at this time," Hume said. MacLaird has lived in the Grand County area since December 2014.
Sheriff Schroetlin has placed himself and three other Grand County sheriff’s deputies on paid administrative leave.
Officials said Undersheriff Wayne Schaffer has assumed responsibilities as acting sheriff of Grand County.
Tabernash is a small town of about 160 people between Winter Park and Granby.
Schroetlin was elected sheriff this year.
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