Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime 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 Marine, was identified as the officer who died during the incident, according to the Cortez Police Department.
The incident occurred on South Broadway at around 11:25 a.m., near Handy Mart. Shots were fired during the traffic stop, resulting in Sgt. Moran sustaining injuries. The suspects fled the scene and were later located at the 7500 block on Highway 160/491, approximately 1½ miles away from the initial stop. A gunfight ensued between the suspects and the police, resulting in one suspect being killed and the other being taken into custody.
Sgt. Moran, aged 46, had served in the Marines for nine years, including two tours in Iraq, before joining the Cortez Police Department in 2012. In 2016, he became a K-9 handler. The police department released a statement expressing their deep sadness at the loss of Sgt. Moran, praising his dedication, sense of humor, and the bond he shared with his canine partner, Otto. He leaves behind two daughters, as well as numerous friends and family members.
The tragic death of Sgt. Moran marks the first loss of a Cortez police officer in the line of duty since officer Dale Claxton was killed during a traffic stop in 1998. The community has rallied together to support the Cortez Police Department, with flags in the area being lowered to half-staff.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis also released a statement, expressing his sadness and offering his thoughts and prayers to Sgt. Moran’s family and the Cortez Police Department. The Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-2 briefly went into a secure status in response to the incident but later returned to normal operations.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Colorado State Patrol and the Cortez Police Department, responded to the scene and managed traffic. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The loss of Sgt. Moran is a devastating blow to the Cortez community, as they mourn the loss of a dedicated police officer and Marine who served his country and community with honor and bravery.