Man Critically Injured after Durango Shooting

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 1:24 PM

"We are confident this is an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the community," said Operations Bureau Commander Deck Shaline.

From Durango Police

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

The Durango Police are investigating the shooting of an adult male at Wapiti Lodge (21625 Highway 160W). At 3:08 a.m. on October 25, the department received a call of a shooting. A male, 25, had suffered a gunshot wound. The victim has been flown to a major city hospital and is in critical condition.

This incident comes on the heels of another tragic shooting from October 23 where 1 person was killed, and 3 others were injured. There is no connection between the two incidents. Initial information indicates that this shooting stemmed from a domestic relationship.

Durango police offers its deepest condolences to the family of the victim because of this tragic event. The department thanks the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, Mercy Medical Center, Durango La Plata Communication Center, and the Durango Fire Protection District for their help and care in this challenging situation.

"We are confident this is an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the community," said Operations Bureau Commander Deck Shaline. "We will stay close to the facts and release as much information as possible, as this remains an active investigation."

Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact the department's detective unit at (970) 375-4730.

More from Local News

Gov. to Visit Flood-Stricken San Juan County

The governor’s visit was carefully scheduled to give first responders, law enforcement and emergency vehicles ample time to complete rescues and other emergency work during the flooding. Now that the floodwaters are receding and initial damage assessments are underway, the Governor will survey the disaster zone and work to get families the help they need.
National Guard, State Police carry out rescues as historic flooding hits San Juan County

New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham preparing request for federal disaster declaration
Bloomfield: Wastewater Emergency

Bloomfield Residents and businesses: please minimize water use until further notice. Postpone laundry and dishwasher use, keep showers brief, and reduce toilet flushing when practical and sanitary. Every reduction helps limit wastewater entering the river.
Kirtland Students on Remote Learning thru Thursday

The district has worked with the Lower Valley Water Users Association on the testing needed to lift the boil water notice. Because of the number of tests required, the district has decided to keep students on remote learning as a precaution for their well-being. If test results come back early, the district must still follow processes and protocols to flush and clear the water lines at each school before in-person instruction can resume. Safety is our top priority for the well-being of our Kirtland students.
*UPDATE* Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Lower Valley Water Users

Water Samples taken from the Lower Valley Water Association system have tested negative for e-coli. The Boil Water notice has been lifted for customers.
Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing

Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.