Man Arrested in Shooting that Killed Three People in Custer County, Colorado

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Denver (KDVR) — A man suspected of shooting three people to death and injuring another in Custer County, south of Colorado Springs, has been apprehended. Hanme K. Clark, 45, was taken into custody by New Mexico State Police while driving a white truck that authorities had been searching for. The arrest took place on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident occurred on Monday, prompting a shelter-in-place order for the area of Rocky Ridge Road in Westcliffe. The small rural community, with a population of only 435 people, was shaken by the violent act. The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a dispute between neighbors over easement lines.

Neighbors who were not involved in the shooting have accused Clark of harassment, denying them access to part of his property as per a court order, and displaying signs indicating that he was armed. Court records reveal that the victims had accused Clark of trespassing on their land multiple times prior to the shooting.

According to the account provided by a surveyor who was present during the incident, Clark approached them, shouting about trespassing, before opening fire. The surveyor managed to escape and seek refuge in a nearby home. The victims have been identified as Rob Geers, 63, his wife Beth Wade, 73, and James Daulton, 58. Another female victim sustained critical injuries.

The town of Westcliffe is located in a picturesque valley between two mountain ranges, and the area is home to farms, ranches, and vacation homes. The incident has left the tight-knit community shocked and saddened.

Authorities believe that Clark knew at least one of the victims. Prior to the shooting, Geers had reported a suspicious individual dressed in hunting gear and carrying a rifle on his property. He believed it was Clark and had expressed concerns about being targeted by him and his girlfriend. Geers had also previously accused Clark of harassment and trespassing.

After a 25-hour search, Clark was captured by New Mexico State Police and the U.S. Marshals Service near Albuquerque. He now faces charges related to the fatal shooting.

Custer County Sheriff Rich Smith provided a timeline of events during a press conference on Tuesday. The 911 call reporting the shooting was received at 12:59 p.m., and deputies were dispatched to the scene at 1:01 p.m. It took 22 minutes for deputies to arrive due to the rural location of the incident. The area was thoroughly searched until 8 p.m., at which point the shelter-in-place order was lifted.

Clark is currently in custody, and it is unclear whether he has legal representation. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities are working to gather more evidence and determine the motive behind the deadly attack.

As the community mourns the loss of three lives and prays for the recovery of the injured victim, the devastating incident serves as a reminder of the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and seeking legal means to address conflicts..