Crime
19-Year-Old Michael Suazo Killed in Pueblo Drive-By Shooting, Suspect Vehicle Still Sought
Two additional occupants of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and were treated on-site.
The Pueblo County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of a recent drive-by shooting that also left two others injured.
The deceased has been confirmed as 19-year-old Michael James Suazo, a resident of Pueblo, who died from gunshot wounds sustained during the incident.
According to the coroner, the shooting occurred on Sunday, April 6, in the 1900 block of North Hudson Avenue, near the Highway 50 bypass.
Officers from the Pueblo Police Department (PPD) were dispatched to the area shortly after 5:00 p.m. in response to reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they found Suazo inside a vehicle near Highway 50, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two additional occupants of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and were treated on-site.
Investigators believe the shooting took place at the intersection of North Hudson Avenue and Highway 50, a busy area where numerous witnesses were reportedly present at the time of the incident.
As of Tuesday, April 8, police have identified a suspect vehicle connected to the shooting: a red 2015 Ford Escape bearing Colorado license plate QST815.
Authorities have released images of the vehicle and are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding its whereabouts.
The Pueblo Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has seen the suspect vehicle to contact Detective Hector Herrera at (719) 601-7023, or to remain anonymous by reaching out to Crime Stoppers at (719) 542-STOP (7867).
The case is currently being investigated as a homicide.
Law enforcement continues to pursue leads and encourages community members to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.