Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran Dies in Line of Duty Shooting

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Cortez Police Sgt. Michael Moran tragically lost his life on Wednesday after being shot during a routine traffic stop. Sgt. Moran, who was a K-9 handler and a former Marine, was identified as the officer who was fatally injured in the line of duty. The incident occurred on South Broadway near Handy Mart at around 11:25 a.m.

According to the Cortez Police Department, shots were fired during the traffic stop, resulting in Sgt. Moran sustaining injuries. The suspects immediately fled the scene and were later found at the 7500 block on Highway 160/491 near Aces Storage, approximately 1½ miles away. A gunfight ensued between the suspects and the police, resulting in one suspect being killed at the scene while the other was apprehended.

Sgt. Moran, aged 46, had served his country as a Marine for nine years, including two tours in Iraq, before joining the Cortez Police Department in 2012. In 2016, he became a K-9 handler and had a strong bond with his canine partner, Otto, who served alongside him until retiring in 2020. The police department released a statement expressing their deep sadness and remembering Sgt. Moran for his dedication and sense of humor. He is survived by his two daughters, as well as numerous friends and family members.

The community came together to honor Sgt. Moran as a police escort and hearse left the hospital at around 4 p.m. Flags in the area were lowered to half-staff as a show of support for the Cortez Police Department. This tragic incident marks the first death of a Cortez police officer in the line of duty since officer Dale Claxton was killed during a traffic stop in 1998.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis expressed his condolences, stating, “I am saddened to hear of the tragic passing of the Cortez police officer in the line of duty. My thoughts and prayers are with their family, as well as the Cortez Police Department and the community during this time. This officer dedicated their career to serving and protecting their community.”

As news of the shooting spread, Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-2 enacted a “secure” status as a precautionary measure at 11:56 a.m. However, operations returned to normal at 12:16 p.m. The Colorado State Patrol and Cortez Police Department swiftly responded to the scene, managing traffic and implementing detours to ensure public safety.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available. The Cortez Police Department remains vigilant in managing and detouring traffic at the Handy Mart on South Broadway.

The entire community mourns the loss of Sgt. Michael Moran, a dedicated officer who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving his community. His memory and service will be forever honored and remembered..