After weeks of reports of shots fired in two Cortez neighborhoods, the Cortez Police Department continues to investigate the physical fights and retaliation-style gunfire that led to the serious injury of bystander Josilyn Mark, 18, on Friday near Empire Street.
That night, police arrested Zane Killsinsight, 18, and took him to the Montezuma County Detention Center, where he will remain until his return filing of charges at the courthouse on Sept. 26 at 9 a.m.
Reports of shots fired went out Friday afternoon about 4:18 p.m., and an emergency Nixle alert went out to residents, asking them to avoid areas around West Empire and North Market Streets.
Video surveillance and witnesses revealed taunting led to a fight in the street between multiple individuals. As the fighting escalated, more than 10 shots were fired, and Mark was struck while she sat inside a vehicle.
Mark was flown to a hospital for a higher level of care that evening, and was reported in serious but stable condition.
A search warrant was conducted Sept. 16, and CPD continues to interview suspects. The investigation is still in progress, and additional charges may be filed.
According to an update provided by the Cortez Police Department via Crimewatch, dispatchers also received late-night calls of shots fired on Sept. 2 and Sept. 8 near East Second Street and North Market Street.
In an incident report filed by Cortez Police officer Kadan Sharp, witnesses indicated that there might have been a chase between two vehicles, an older maroon-colored Ford SUV and a white sedan with black tires, on Sept. 2. Sharp reported that he heard gunfire from what sounded like a small-caliber pistol.
One witness said she saw two individuals in the maroon-colored Ford and a young high-school aged male was shooting from the back of the vehicle.
Suspects were identified and numerous vehicles were identified as being involved. Around Sept. 8, there were at least three reports of gunshot damage to vehicles and a report of a bullet entering the window of a home and lodging in a bathroom door trim in the North Market Street area.
In its update on Crimewatch, the Cortez Police Department encouraged residents to report suspicious behaviors and incidents by calling Cortez Dispatch at (970) 565-8441 and using the Crimewatch.net mobile app.
The police department said it received assistance Friday from the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Montezuma Office of Emergency Management and the Montezuma County public information coordinator.
