Pueblo Police Confirm Two Officers Injured by Friendly Fire in Oct. 10 Officer-Involved Shooting

Description: Pueblo Police confirm two officers were injured by friendly fire during the Oct. 10 shooting that killed 36-year-old Luis Morales at Regency Park Apartments...


Published: 5 hours ago
Byline: SECO News

Update Officer-Involved Shooting – October 10, 2026

On October 10, 2026, the Pueblo Police Department responded to a home invasion in the 1600 block of Gaylord Avenue which resulted in an officer involved shooting. The 10th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) responded and is handling the investigation.
 
During the shooting, two Pueblo Police officers were struck by gunfire. One individual, Officer Justin Ortiz sustained a graze wound to the ankle. Officer Jonathon Woehler suffered gunshot wounds to both legs. Officer Woehler was transported to the hospital for treatment and was released on October 12, 2026. Both officers are recovering.
 
The suspect of the home invasion, who was armed, led police on a pursuit that ended at the Regency Park Apartments in the 0-100 block of Regency Boulevard, where he was shot and killed during the incident. A firearm was recovered at the scene by CIRT personnel. The Pueblo County Coroner’s Office has identified the decedent as 36-year-old Luis Morales. The circumstances surrounding this incident are tragic, the Pueblo Police Department expresses our condolences to Mr. Morales’ family and loved ones.
 
CIRT has interviewed all involved officers allowing the release of additional information. The investigation has determined that the injuries sustained by the two officers were the result of gunfire from fellow Pueblo Police Department officers, commonly referred to as friendly fire.
 
“We strive to grow from the most difficult circumstances which ultimately help us become a better agency,” said Pueblo Police Department Chief Chris Noeller. “It is always our goal to learn and grow from the most challenging issues and that’s what we will do with this incident. We will let the evidence guide our work and make meaningful improvement that helps protect our officers and the people we serve in the Pueblo community.”
 
Chief Noeller added, “As the facts are established, we will examine the incident carefully, including tactics, positioning, communication and decision making. Then this will determine how we improve our training, equipment and procedure for the betterment of the Pueblo Police Department and the community we serve.”
 

Under Colorado law governing public statements about peace-officer use-of-force incidents (C.R.S. § 16-2.5-303), the Pueblo Police Department is limited in what it can say while CIRT criminal investigations and the Department’s Internal Affairs review remains open. The department will provide additional information as those reviews are completed.



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