INCIDENT IN HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS ENDS IN PEACEFUL SURRENDER
December 1, 2020
GRAND COUNTY, CO- On November 30, 2020 at approximately 11:30 a.m. the Grand County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a disturbance in the area of Aspen Street and West Grand Avenue within the Town of Hot Sulphur Springs. Deputies made contact with the female that had notified dispatch of the incident. The woman shared that a man was threatening to shoot her, had pointed to a handgun located on his hip and drilled holes into her vehicle with a power drill.
Upon arriving at the scene, the male suspect was seen retreating into his house before Deputies could contact him. A perimeter of law enforcement presence was immediately established around the house. In an abundance of caution, the Grand County Emergency Response Team was notified of the ongoing incident and responded to the scene.
On December 1, 2020 the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team responded to assist in serving the arrest and search warrants for Felony Menacing, Criminal Mischief and Violation of Bail Bond Conditions to the suspect, Stephen Branstetter, D.O.B. 4/29/1979. Multiple agencies worked in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office in response to this incident including the Middle Park Emergency Response Team, Fraser Winter Park Police Department, Granby Police Department, Grand County EMS, and the Jefferson County SWAT Team.
As law enforcement officials gave Branstetter verbal commands to exit his house and surrender, Branstetter fired two rounds from a gun from inside the residence. No law enforcement officers discharged their firearms. Communication was established with Branstetter and negotiations lasted approximately two hours. At approximately 11:26 a.m. Branstetter exited the house on his own and surrendered without further incident.
At 9:00 a.m. a Code Red emergency message was sent out to residents within the immediate area of Aspen Street and W. Grand Avenue notifying them of law enforcement activity and requesting them to shelter in place. Residents were advised to stay away from windows and doors. At 11:45 a.m. a second Code Red message was sent out that lifted the shelter in place.
Sheriff Brett Schroetlin stated, “The Grand County Sheriff’s Office takes all threats of violence within our county seriously. We understand how these situations can be very scary and appreciate the community’s compliance when asked to remain in their homes and shelter in place.”
This incident is under ongoing investigation and also under the review of the District Attorney’s Office.
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