News

The Durango Police Department released additional details Friday about an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier this week, including the name of the officer who killed a burglary suspect.

According to police, a business alarm was set off at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday at O’Reilly Auto Parts on north Main Avenue in Durango.

Three officers – Padraic Ingle, Cole Murch and Pete Malberg – were nearby and arrived quickly on scene and set up a perimeter.

Officer Murch noticed a vehicle with a female driver in the alley behind the business. He also saw an open door to the business and confronted a man who appeared to be in his early 30s inside the business.

The man was later identified as Jason Snow, a 34-year-old man who had recently been released from prison to reduce the risk of coronavirus exposure among inmates.

Snow, who was armed with a handgun, retreated inside the business and ran toward the storefront, according to a news release issued Friday by the police department.

Officer Ingle, who was just outside the storefront, ordered Snow to drop the gun. Snow then fired a shot toward Ingle through the main glass entry door of the business. Snow’s shot shattered the glass door about 3 feet from Ingle, according to the release.

Ingle continued issuing commands while returning fire, hitting Snow.

Officers immediately called paramedics, who attempted life-saving efforts but were unable to revive him. Snow was pronounced dead on scene.

The police department declined to say how many shots were fired between Snow and the officer, or how many times Snow was hit.

In addition to recovering a loaded handgun, police found a handcuff key hidden in Snow’s waistband and a two-way radio, according to the news release.

No officers were injured in the shootout.

The woman behind the business was identified as Paige Hiehle, 23, and is suspected of acting as a lookout and getaway driver for Snow. Hiehle fled the scene and remained on the loose as of Friday. A warrant has been issued for her arrest on suspicion of burglary.

It was the first officer-involved shooting for the Durango Police Department since 2000.

Ingle is described as a four-year veteran of the agency. He started with the department, left for a brief tenure with the Fort Lewis College Police Department and then returned, according to the release.

He is an instructor and prior member of the police department’s Community Engagement Team.

Durango police Chief Bob Brammer said Ingle will be allowed to return to work when he is ready and after the chief makes sure he is fit for duty.

“I’m not going to rush him,” Brammer said. “He’s much too important.”

The police department said it is cooperating with other investigating agencies, including the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the 6th Judicial District Officer Involved Investigative Team.

The Durango Police Department said additional information and evidence will be made available as long as it does not jeopardize the investigation.

“We would again like to acknowledge that this is a tragic situation that will impact multiple people and families,” the release said. “Our thoughts are with everyone that was involved in this incident or impacted by it.”