4 dead, 1 injured in shooting at Akawi Way near Peyton, SWAT team arrives at spot

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

PEYTON, COLORADO: A tragic incident occurred northeast of Peyton shortly before midnight on Wednesday, December 6, leading to the loss of four lives and injury to one person.

El Paso County Sheriff's deputies found four persons dead in the aftermath of the shooting, prompting the deployment of a SWAT team for a thorough investigation, as stated in a release issued by the sheriff's office on Thursday afternoon. 

The initial response involved deputies engaging with a man with non-life-threatening injuries outside the location in the 21000 block of Akawi Way, shortly after midnight.

Why was SWAT team called?

Sergeant Marcus Miller, a public information officer, informed that based on the deputies' assessment, there was a possibility of a barricaded individual or even a hostage situation within the building. 

Consequently, a SWAT team was called in for assistance, said Miller on a phone call on Thursday afternoon.

Miller stated, “The initial information we got was that there could be a potential higher risk than what our patrol deputies are capable and appropriate to respond to."

The relationships of the deceased individuals are yet to be determined, and the release emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the community. 

According to the official statement, the initial findings from the office's investigation suggest that the shootings occurred before the arrival of deputies, and a thorough inquiry into the incident is underway.

What did EPSO report?

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) reported a shooting incident at 11.40 pm on Wednesday in the 21000 block of Akawi Way, located northeast of Peyton in unincorporated El Paso County. 

Due to the distance, deputies arrived at the scene after midnight. Upon their arrival, they found a man with non-life-threatening injuries outside the residence.

The injured man received medical attention, and EPSO stated that the Tactical Support Group (TSG), which includes SWAT, negotiators, medics, K9 units, robotic assets, and other essential resources, was deployed based on the preliminary investigation. Subsequently, the SWAT team entered the residence and found four dead persons.

As of now, the relationships between the individuals involved remain undetermined, and their identities are being withheld pending notification of family members. The El Paso County Coroner’s Office will release information about the victims' identities, as well as the cause and manner of death.

EPSO revealed that initial findings suggest the shooting occurred before law enforcement's arrival, and all individuals involved have been identified. There is no current threat to the community, according to EPSO.

Further details about the deceased will be provided by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.