Grand Junction Police Speak Out On Shooting

Yesterday we heard from the brother of the victim. Tuesday, the Grand Junction Police revealed more details about the shooting that took place Sunday.

Grand Junction Police Chief John Carpenter spoke at a news conference Tuesday (Sept. 6) and filled in a lot more details about what allegedly happened at the scene. This is only an abridged version of what was stated. The Daily Sentinel has the complete story.

Here is what Police Chief Carpenter has confirmed:

• Victim identified as 44-year-old Simon Gomez.
• Gomez was acting paranoid and was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
• He then locked himself, with his two children, inside the home.
• Police decided to enter the house after losing communication, fearing for the safety of the kids.
• Four officers entered where they encountered numerous self-made barricades.
• Police then discovered Gomez in the bathtub, holding two knives, one at each of the children's throats.
• Cpl. Ryan Piotowski ordered Gomez, two separate times, to drop the knives.
• The above-mentioned officer then shot Gomez. One to the chest and one to the head, killing him.
• Between 4-6 shots were fired.
• The two children were unharmed and returned to their mother. They also told police that Gomez had held knives to them in the past.

For a complete look at what Police Chief Carpenter stated, click on the Daily Sentinel page here.