The initial call was received at 5:23 AM. The individual was identified from video surveillance. The male was contacted by Durango Police Department Patrol and is now in custody. He has been identified as Joe Brinkerhoff, a resident of the City of Durango. Due to a prior incident, Joe Brinkerhoff was trespassed from the property and his Rec Center privileges were suspended.
From the Durango Police Dept.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
On April 2, 2025, at approximately 12:40 AM, an individual fired a firearm into a front facing window of the Durango Recreation Center causing significant damage including the destruction of that front entry window. The damage was discovered by Durango Rec Center employees upon opening the Rec Center this morning for business.
The initial call was received at 5:23 AM. The individual was identified from video surveillance. The male was contacted by Durango Police Department Patrol and is now in custody. He has been identified as Joe Brinkerhoff, a resident of the City of Durango. Due to a prior incident, Joe Brinkerhoff was trespassed from the property and his Rec Center privileges were suspended.
This is an on-going investigation. There is no further danger to the public. Regarding the facility updates of the Recreation Center, the lap pool remains open; however, the hot tub and leisure pool are closed until further notice.
We want to thank our graveyard shift patrol team for their swift identification and safe apprehension of the suspect. We also thank the Durango Recreation Center staff for their prompt reporting, cooperation, and assistance in helping to identify the individual involved.
Phase III of the $30 million project includes $27 million in state funds and $3 million in matching funds from San Juan County to fully fund and complete the project by 2029.
Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them.
During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County. Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026.
San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.