Update: Suspect ID'd in Fatal Cortez Police Officer Shooting

Cortez Police Officer Michael Moran was fatally wounded during a traffic stop Wednesday, November 29, 2023. During an exchange of gunfire with other members of law enforcement at a subsequent location, one suspect was killed and the second suspect was taken into custody.

From the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office

Update: Saturday, December 2, 2023

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has released the following information in regards to the ongoing investigation into the death of Cortez Police Department Sergeant Michael Moran.

• Montezuma County Coroner George Deavers named the suspect in the incident as Jason Campbell, age 44, of Ogden, Utah.

• There is no one in custody connected to this incident at this time. A subject was inside of the suspect's vehicle at the time of the incident. The subject was interviewed and has been released.

• Investigators continue to conduct interviews and work to determine the elements and timeline of the incident.

No additional information about the investigation is available at this time.

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

At approximately 11:25 am, a Cortez Police Department officer initiated a traffic stop on South Broadway. Shots were fired at the officer who was subsequently injured. The suspects fled in their vehicle and were quickly located in the 7500 block of Hwy 160-491.

Additional shots were exchanged between the suspects and officers at the second location. One suspect died on scene and the other was taken into custody.

The injured Cortez Police Officer was transported to Southwest Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

(Editor's Note:  The Cortez Police Officer who was killed has been identified as Sgt. Michael Moran.  Moran rose quickly through the ranks, becoming a K-9 handler in 2016. He leaves behind two daughters, many friends, and family.)

Flags in the area have been lowered to half-staff in support of the Cortez Police Department.

If anyone has further information about this pending investigation, they are asked to contact the Cortez Police Department and the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 970-565-8441.

The Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation is accepting monetary donations on behalf of Sergeant Moran’s family. If you would like to donate, visit https://cofallenhero.org/donate