Resident discovered with self-inflicted gunshot wound following Willits shelter-in-place order
The Aspen Times
Courtesy photo
A Willits resident was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after Basalt police officers tried serving the individual a theft warrant on Thursday night.
After obtaining the warrant, officers announced their presence at the subject’s redisence and heard what they believed to be gunshots from inside, a Basalt Police Department news release states.
“We knocked and announced and then we heard a gunshot,” Basalt Police Lt. Aaron Munch told The Aspen Times on Friday morning.
This prompted a shelter-in-place order to be issued for the Willits area shortly after 7 p.m. on Thursday. The order was lifted shortly after 10 p.m. They put up a perimeter around the apartment complex, which was located close to The Arts Campus at Willits.
“Officers were able to gain entry through the front door and used a drone to inspect the interior of the residence. The subject was found deceased with a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” the release states. “The individual’s identity will not be released until next of kin is notified.”
About 2.5 hours passed between the initiation of the shelter-in-place and when officers discovered the subject deceased, Munch said.
The warrant was for the alleged theft of well over $100,000 from a Basalt business over a couple of years, according to him. The investigation was reported to Basalt Police three weeks ago.
“No matter what they’re dealing with, that’s an unfortunate outcome for them and loved ones,” he said.
“We appreciate the community’s cooperation during this incident,” he said in the release. “Your safety is our top priority. By following our shelter in place order, staying indoors and away from windows, you allowed us to keep you safe while dealing with this incident.”
There were no injuries to any law enforcement officers. Responding agencies included Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, Aspen Police Department, Snowmass Village Police Department, Roaring Fork Fire Rescue, Aspen Fire Department, and Carbondale Fire Department.
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