Authorities are looking into a possible link between a death Wednesday at the Colorado-New Mexico state line and a robbery turned fatal shooting Sunday in Pagosa Springs.
The New Mexico State Police is investigating a death that occurred Wednesday at the state line. The Pagosa Springs Police Department is investigating a robbery turned shooting Sunday at the Ski & Bow Rack shop.
The State Police has not yet released the identity of the victim or the cause of death near the state line, but the two agencies are looking into whether the incidents are connected.
Attempts to reach the State Police were not immediately successful Thursday. Pagosa Springs Town Manager Andrea Phillips also did not immediately return a phone call Thursday seeking comment.
Police have not identified a suspect in connection with the shooting at Ski & Bow Rack, which occurred about 9:20 p.m. at 354 East Pagosa St.
The owner, Larry Fisher, 71, was flown to the trauma center at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, where he was later pronounced dead around 4:30 a.m. Monday.
Police believe Fisher, who may have been working late, interrupted the burglary. He was shot once in the chest by a suspect with a handgun.
The only motive appears to be burglary, police said. However, “nothing specific has been reported as stolen during the incident,” according to a previous report.
Law enforcement has interviewed dozens of people about the shooting and is waiting for evidence from the crime scene to be processed by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s crime lab, Phillips said in a news release.
“This evidence processing will take several weeks, and may be longer,” the release said.
The suspect, who was captured on surveillance cameras, wore a hooded camouflage jacket and what looked like snow pants.
A possible vehicle is being sought in connection with the incident: a late 1980s to late 1990s white Toyota Forerunner or Nissan Pathfinder, very muddy, with possible homemade camouflage on the bottom of the vehicle and a roof rack.
Anyone with information about the suspect or vehicle can email tips to pagosapdcrime@gmail.com or call 264-4151, ext. 243.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
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