City Mourns Loss Of SergeantPosted by Janine Mayfield on July 26th, 2009

Official Release by City of Montrose:

The Montrose Police Department (MPD) and the Montrose community mourn the loss of Sergeant Dave Kinterknecht who was killed in the line of duty on Saturday.

Sgt. Kinterknecht had a total of 19 years of service in law enforcement and was hired as a patrol officer for the MPD in December 1996. He was promoted to sergeant in November 2003. During his service with the MPD he received numerous awards and commendations, including a Life Saving Award in 1999 and a Medal of Meritorious Service in 2001. More importantly, he earned the respect and friendship of those who served alongside him.

The Montrose City Council and city staff extend their heartfelt condolences to the Kinterknecht family for their tremendous loss.

Two other MPD officers, Larry Witte and Rodney Ragsdale, were wounded in the incident involving Sgt. Kinterknecht. They are both in fair condition and are expected to make a full recovery.

Officer Ragsdale has 18 years of law enforcement experience that include 15 years with the City of Northglenn where he was twice recognized as Field Training Officer of the year. He joined the MPD in August 2008. Officer Witte was hired as a police recruit in May of 2007 and was promoted to officer in August 2007.

Our thoughts and prayers are with each of these officers as they recover from their injuries. We also wish to express our heartfelt gratitude and deepest respect for those who risk their lives each day to serve and protect our community.

3 MPD Officers Shot; 1 FatalPosted by Janine Mayfield on July 26th, 2009

Montrose Police, CBI, and the 7th judicial Critical Incident Team are investigating a shootout that has fatally wounded 2 people (one, Sgt. David Kinterknecht and the other, the suspect–unoffically assumed to be Dennis Gurney), and injured two others (Officers Larry Witte and Rodney Ragsdale).

Sergeant David Kinterknecht–Officer Memorial Page

According to the Montrose County Assessor’s website, the home at 16915 64.50 Road belongs to Dennis & Pamela Gurney.  The house, according to neighbor Beverly Howell, has been for sale for quite awhile, and this isn’t the first time law enforcement has responded to the Gurney residence for domestic violence. This house is located next to Cobble Creek, but is not a part of that subdivison.

As of 2:00 this afternoon, Officer Witte is listed in fair condition at Montrose Memorial Hospital. Officer Ragsdale was transferred to St. Mary’s this morning and he is listed in fair condition. Officers are invesigating whether the suspect shot himself or whether he was shot by an officer.

Get all available information in the press released provided by the Montrose Police Department, below.
AUDIO LISTEN To Neighbor Beverly Howell Explain The Crime Scene
AUDIO LISTEN To Neighbor Beverly Howell On The Gurney Residence
(Posted 1:32p)

(Incident happened Saturday July 25, 2009 at 16915 64.50 Road at the residence of Dennis & Pamela Gurney)

(Several law enforcement vehicles line the road to the house and the driveway of the Gurney residence the afternoon of 7/26/09)

((Several law enforcement vehicles line the road to the house of the Gurney residence the afternoon of 7/26/09)

(CBI on scene, 7/26/09)

(The separate garage to the left is believed to be where the man barricaded himself)
(All photos by Janine Mayfield)

Official MPD Press ReleasePosted by Janine Mayfield on July 26th, 2009

At approximately 8:30 PM, 7/25/09, Montrose Police Officers and Montrose County Sherriff’s Deputies were dispatched to 16915 64.50 Road for a domestic violence call that was in progress. After arriving at the address officers began talking to the reporting party. During the course of the call an adult male, who was barricaded in a garage behind the residence, shot three Montrose Police Officers. All three officers were transported to Montrose Memorial Hospital with gunshot wounds. One Montrose Police Officer was fatally wounded.

The names of the officers that were injured are:
- Officer Larry Witte
- Officer Rodney Ragsdale
- Sergeant David Kinterknecht, fatally wounded

The suspect died at the scene. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation along with the 7th Judicial Critical Incident Team is investigating the incident. This is all of the information we have at this time. We expect to release more information on Monday, July 27th.
Source: Montrose Police Department   (Posted 11:10a  07/26/09)

To contact your Senators and CongressmanPosted by Jay Austin on July 18th, 2009

To contact SENATOR MARK UDALL

To contact SENATOR MICHAEL BENNET

To contact CONGRESSMAN JOHN SALAZAR