Westcliffe Homicides: Suspects at Large in Chaffee County, Victim Identities Unknown

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Reverse 911 Calls Notify Chaffee Residents of Possible Suspects in Westcliffe Homicides

Late in the evening on Monday, November 20, Chaffee residents received urgent Reverse 911 calls alerting them to the potential presence of suspects in the Westcliffe homicides within Chaffee County’s rural areas. As of now, the suspects remain at large.

The distressing incident began at approximately 1:00 p.m. on November 20, 2023, when the Custer County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call reporting gunshots fired in the northern part of Westcliffe. Upon arrival, deputies discovered four individuals had been shot, tragically resulting in the death of three victims. The authorities are yet to release the victims’ identities.

Through their thorough investigation, law enforcement officials identified the primary suspect as Hanme Kim Clark, a 45-year-old resident of Westcliffe. Consequently, Custer County obtained an arrest warrant charging Clark with three counts of First Degree Murder. The suspect was believed to have fled the shooting scene, potentially utilizing a 2017 Dodge 1500 truck. The truck, which is white and equipped with a white topper, bears Colorado license plate number BHLK27.

Prompted by this vital information, law enforcement agencies were immediately alerted, and a widespread search for the suspect ensued. In an effort to aid the investigation, officers from the Salida Police Department diligently reviewed their FLOCK surveillance cameras, strategically positioned in various locations throughout Salida. Upon review, officers made a significant discovery: the suspect’s vehicle had been captured on camera entering the Walmart parking lot. Furthermore, an unidentified individual, distinct from Clark, was observed entering the store and purchasing multiple items. Subsequently, the individual exited Walmart, and the vehicle proceeded in the direction of the residential area neighboring Methodist Mountain.

With this crucial development, local law enforcement agencies, including the Chaffee County Combined Tactical Team, swiftly mobilized to initiate an extensive search operation. Concerned for the safety of the affected area’s residents, authorities issued a Shelter in Place request via Everbridge, urging individuals to remain indoors. Meanwhile, an Everbridge notification containing pertinent details about the suspect and his vehicle was disseminated to all county residents.

The search effort involved dedicated personnel from the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office, Salida Police Department, and Buena Vista Police Department. Additionally, Chaffee County Search and Rescue collaborated with the Sheriff’s Office, deploying two separate drones to aid in the search. Throughout the night, the combined efforts of these teams persisted, tirelessly combing the area for any sign of the suspect.

In the early morning hours of November 21, as the search operation continued, the Denver Police Department dispatched a helicopter to provide crucial aerial assistance. Conducting an exhaustive air search across the entire shelter-in-place region, law enforcement personnel painstakingly scoured every inch, hoping to locate the suspect or his vehicle. Unfortunately, despite hours of meticulous effort, the search concluded without finding any trace of the suspect or his vehicle. Consequently, the shelter-in-place order was lifted, and residents were promptly notified of the cancellation via the Everbridge notification system.

Law enforcement agencies are urging all Chaffee County residents to remain vigilant and report any information they may have regarding the suspect to the dedicated hotline at 719-539-2596. It is crucial to remember that the suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Therefore, if spotted, residents are strongly advised against approaching him or his vehicle but rather instructed to immediately contact emergency services by dialing 911.

Editor’s Note: The Ark ValleyVoice has received feedback from some Chaffee residents stating that they did not receive the reverse 911 notifications. To ensure receipt of future Everbridge reverse notifications, residents must register their landline or mobile phone. To register, please visit the following link: [https://chaffeesheriff.org/everbridge-citizen-alert-system/](https://chaffeesheriff.org/everbridge-citizen-alert-system/)..