A man was shot and killed early Wednesday, prompting the closure of U.S. Highway 550 near the Colorado-New Mexico line as authorities searched for the suspected shooter.
La Plata County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Chris Burke said a deputy was contacted by a male and a female during the early morning hours Wednesday on the side of the southbound lane of Highway 550.
The male had suffered a gunshot wound, Burke said.
Despite efforts of the deputy and medical units that arrived shortly after, the man died from his injuries.
Colorado Department of Transportation spokeswoman Lisa Schwantes said the road was closed around 1 a.m. as authorities responded to the scene between mile markers 1 and 3.
By about 2:30 a.m., the highway had reopened, she said.
Burke said a person of interest has been detained, but he declined to release further information about the incident. The name of the man who died will be released after next of kin is notified, he said.
“This case is currently under investigation, and the Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing any more details,” Burke said.
This is a developing story. Check back with www.durangoherald.com for updates.