Suspect sought in burglary turned homicide

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Photos courtesy Pagosa Springs Police Department
Authorities are searching for a suspect after an attempted burglary turned into a homicide Sunday night. The suspect is described as Caucasian, approximately between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall, with brown hair, a small-to-medium build and weighing approximately 140 to 150 pounds. He was wearing a hooded camouflage jacket and possibly snow pants.

Local law enforcement is currently searching for a suspect after an attempted burglary turned into a homicide on Sunday evening.

Larry Fisher, 71, owner of the Ski and Bow Rack, was shot in the chest on Sunday night while interrupting a burglary.

He was flown to St. Anthony’s in Lakewood and passed away from his injuries the following morning.

A press release from Town Manager Andrea Phillips explains that around 9:20 p.m., Fisher interrupted an attempted burglary at the store.

Fisher is believed to have been working late.

“He was shot in the chest by the suspect, who had a handgun, sometime between 9:20 pm and 9:30 pm,” reads the release. “Law enforcement was notified through a 911 call that was made at approximately 9:33 pm”

Fisher is believed to have passed away at 4:29 a.m. on Monday.

It’s currently unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the incident, with the only known motive at this time being attempted burglary.

The press release adds that nothing specific has been reported as stolen.

“Multiple agents from the Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) are in town assisting detectives and personnel from the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Pagosa Springs Police Department,” reads a press release from Phillips. “Agents have collected multiple pieces of evidence that are being sent without delay to the crime lab for analysis. Dozens of people have been interviewed.”

Authorities released a description of the suspect the following morning.

He is believed to be Caucasian, approximately between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 9 inches tall, with brown hair, a small-to-medium build and weighing approximately 140 to 150 pounds.

He was wearing a hooded camouflage jacket and possibly snow pants.

“We believe this person is a local,” said Pagosa Springs Police Department Detective Scott Maxwell.

Authorities have also released the description of a vehicle that is possibly associated with the incident, though the connection has not been confirmed.

The vehicle is described as a late ‘80s to late ‘90s Toyota 4Runner or Nissan Pathfinder.

It’s described as very muddy, with possible homemade camouflage on the bottom of the vehicle and having a roof rack.

Anyone who sees a suspect or a vehicle matching this description is asked to contact law enforcement and to not approach the suspect or vehicle.

According to the press release, “The Pagosa Springs Police Department is not aware of any immediate threat to the public; however there is a homicide suspect at large. Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior.”

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call 264-4151, ext. 243 or email Pagosapdcrime@gmail.com

On Wednesday morning, Archuleta County Coroner Dan Keuning confirmed that the manner of death for Fisher was homicide, with the cause of death being a single gunshot wound to the left part of the chest.

“It’s just a tragic event for our community,” Keuning said.

Archuleta School District (ASD) Superintendent Linda Reed sent out an announcement on Monday morning asking that ASD students and staff remain vigilant following the incident.

She wrote that bus drivers had been alerted, and that she recommended children be escorted to bus stops.

She added that the schools would be open as usual.

Further details about the incident were unavailable by press time Wednesday.

“Everyone on spring break we ask for your patience this week as the Ski and Bow Rack family deals with day to day plus today’s tragedy,” reads a post on Ski and Bow Rack’s Facebook page on Monday. “We will be open normal hours until further notice and will do the best we can to continue to produce the customer service we are so well known and loved for.”

A GoFundMe page has been created and can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/larry-fisher-memorial-fund.