Pueblo officer injured in shooting returns home
(PUEBLO, Colo.) — An officer is back home in Pueblo on Thursday, March 20, after a shooting described by law enforcement as an 'ambush' that occurred on Tuesday, in which three officers were injured and the suspect was killed.
On Thursday, an honor escort was held along Main Street in front of the Pueblo Municipal Justice Center to welcome the officer home. The street was lined with police cars and community members, all cheering on the bravery of the officer as he waved to the crowd.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspect dead, three officers injured in Pueblo shooting
The shooting happened late Tuesday evening, while officers were searching for Billy Soto, a suspect wanted on a warrant for attempted murder. Chief of Police Chris Noeller said at a press conference on Wednesday that Soto ambushed the officers and fired 80 rounds through the course of the incident.
PPD officers and assisting deputies with the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office returned fired, ultimately killing Soto.
On Thursday, firetrucks hoisted the American flag over Main Street in honor of the officer returning home. A spokesperson for the Pueblo Police Department said the officer, who has not been identified, was released from the hospital Thursday afternoon. The other two injured officers remain in the hospital.
In the meantime, the Pueblo Police Benevolent Association is partnering with the Facebook group PPD Behind the Badge, which is run by the wives of Pueblo Police officers, to organize a meal train fundraiser on their page.
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