Editor's note on July 22 at 2:30 p.m.: This story has been updated with more information from the 8th Judicial Critical Incident Response Team.
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A man who took off from a traffic stop and fired a gun at Larimer County deputies is facing several charges, including attempted first-degree murder and second-degree assault.
Shortly after 10:30 p.m. on July 12, a Larimer County Sheriff’s Office deputy tried to stop the driver of a 2009 silver Ford Escape going at a high rate of speed on South Timberline Road, according to the sheriff’s office. The driver, identified as 21-year-old Bryan Erdbruegger, continued eastbound onto East Prospect Road before stopping near Sharp Point Drive, the sheriff’s office said. A second deputy responded to the scene to assist.
Erdbruegger then opened the door of the vehicle and reportedly fired multiple shots at both deputies before deputies returned fire, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators claim Erdbruegger, still armed with a handgun, then approached their patrol vehicles on foot and a brief struggle ensued, during which a deputy fired his duty weapon, striking the suspect.
Erdbruegger was seriously injured and taken to the hospital, officials said. No one else was injured during the incident.
Prospect Road was closed for several hours between Timberline Road to Summitview Drive, but has since reopened.
The suspect was released from the hospital on July 20 and booked into the Larimer County Jail on the several charges, including: Attempted first-degree murder, ilelgal discharge of a firearm, second-degree assault, and speeding 20 miles over the limit — all felonies of varying degrees.
Erdbruegger was issued a $20,000 cash bond and his next court date is Aug. 1.
Deputies said a passing vehicle was struck by gunfire during the incident but the occupants were not injured. Investigators also learned several vehicles were in the area prior to and during the shooting.
Anyone who may have seen the silver Ford Escape in the area of Timberline Road between 10-10:30 p.m. is asked to contact Fort Collins Police Detective Justin Butler at (970) 221-6340.
This is the fifth shooting involving deputies with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Justin Smith. The sheriff’s office typically averages one or two per year, Smith said.
“You need to know that deputies are not out looking for confrontations, but they are remaining engaged in proactive policing to protect their community and in doing so, they are coming across a disturbingly high number of deranged and violent offenders,” Smith said in a post on Facebook. “Please know that the men and women of the LCSO remained 100% committed to standing the line to serve and protect you and they greatly appreciate your thoughts, prayers and support in these very difficult times.”
The Eighth Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team responded to take over the investigation with the Fort Collins Police Services as the lead agency. The investigation is ongoing.
