Man who killed DougCo deputy, shot four others, fired more than 100 rounds

KUSA - 9NEWS has learned the suspect responsible for the "ambush-style" attack on officers in Douglas County Sunday morning is Matthew Riehl. He was shot and killed by law enforcement. 

Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said during his afternoon press conference that Riehl was known to law enforcement. He was also a veteran, who has exchanged angry tweets with the sheriff's office.

One deputy was shot and killed, four other deputies and two civilians were injured when the suspect fired more than 100 rounds at the officers when they responded to a disturbance at a Highlands Ranch apartment complex, according to DCSO.

Deputy Zackari Parrish died in the shooting. He was a 29-year-old father, according to DCSO. 

"Zack was a smiley kid," Spurlock said of the fallen deputy. "[He was] eager to work, eager to serve." 

RELATED | What we know about fallen DougCo deputy Zackari Parrish

Parrish worked at the DCSO for about seven months. He came there from the Castle Rock Police Department. He's survived by a wife and two young children. 

Four other law enforcement officers who were shot in the melee are all stable, according to Spurlock. Those officers are Mike Doyle, 28, Taylor Davis, 30, Jeff Pelle 32 and Tom O’Donnell, 41. 

O’Donnell is an officer with Castle Rock Police. The other three deputies are with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. 

RELATED | How to help family of fallen Douglas County Deputy Zack Parrish

DCSO says two civilians were also shot by the Riehl. Spurlock said during a noon press conference they suffered non life-threatening injuries. 

Just after 5 a.m., deputies responded to the incident at the Copper Canyon apartment complex. Spurlock said it was "almost immediately after" law enforcement arrived and was let in by someone who lived there that shooting began. All of the officers were shot very quickly and went down within seconds of each other, Spurlock continued.

"He knew we were coming, and we let him know we were there," Spurlock  said. 

RELATED | Statements of support for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office

The roommate of the Riehl is cooperating with law enforcement. He was not injured. 

One of the deputies who was shot is Jeff Pelle, the son of Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle. Mark Wagner, a public information officer with the agency, tweeted a statement from the Pelle family saying Jeff underwent surgery but is "in good spirits considering the gravity and severity of what occurred earlier this morning."

The Copper Canyon complex is on County Line Road, between Colorado Boulevard and University Boulevard.

A procession for the fallen deputy started at Littleton Hospital around 10:30 a.m. as the motorcade made its way to the Douglas County Coroner's Office. 

Parrish’s first law enforcement job was at the Morrison Police Department, where he served as a reserve officer from June 28, 2014, until the end of that year.

“While he was here, he got glowing reviews from all his peers,” said Morrison’s interim police chief, George Mumma Jr.

Mumma said that Parrish aspired to work for a larger department – and began work as a Castle Rock police officers after leaving Morrison.

It's never easy," Spurlock said. "This is the first to me as a sheriff to have an officer killed in the line of duty and my partners are here to help guide me through this."

Earlier in the day, law enforcement urged anyone who lived in the area to shelter in place, avoid windows and stay away from exterior walls. That order has since been lifted. 

An emergency shelter has been set up at Highlands Ranch Recreation Center at Eastridge at 9568 S University Blvd. Anyone who has been displaced from their homes because of this incident is encouraged to head there.

East County Line Road was closed between University and Colorado boulevards but has since reopened. 

President Donald Trump tweeted about this shooting on Sunday, saying in part, "We love our police and law enforcement."

There is a fund for fallen officers in Douglas County. Those interested in donating can find more information here.

Spurlock said at this point, investigators are still waiting for search warrants. Neighbors are allowed in, but not to that immediate area. 

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