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Park County Deputy Shot, Killed

For the second time in less than a month, a Colorado law enforcement officer has been shot and killed.

Wednesday (February 24, 2016), members of the Park County Sheriff’s Office were serving an an eviction order at a home in Bailey. Officers made contact with Martin Wirth at the home.

Wirth is said have come out of the home briefly and went back inside. Officers followed, and Wirth began shooting. Officers returned fire, and Wirth was fatally wounded and pronounced dead at the scene.

Corporal Nate Carrigan, a 13-year veteran of Park County, was shot and died at the scene. Two other members of the Sheriff’s Office, Master Patrol Deputy Kolby Martin and Captain Mark Hancock, were also shot by Wirth and transported to Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Denver.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and surrounding law enforcement agencies are providing investigation assistance and law enforcement coverage to Park County.

Less than three weeks earlier, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Derek Geer was also shot and fatally wounded. At least five Colorado law enforcement officers have been shot since the start of February.

Funeral services for Corporal Carrigan have not been announced.