Joint Investigation Media Release
November 29, 2015 at 3:17pm
This is a joint investigation into the shooting which occurred on Friday, November 27, 2015, at the Planned Parenthood building. Investigators estimate it will take six to seven days to process the crime scene. It is anticipated that Centennial Blvd. will be open to traffic by Monday morning, November 30, 2015.
This event was a multi-agency response from the local to the Federal level. Through several natural disasters experienced in El Paso County, we have developed a high level of cooperation to include joint training exercises. This led to a very quick and fluid response from all participating agencies.
The following is a statement from Rachel Swasey, wife of UCCS Officer Garrett Swasey:
“The family of Officer Garrett Swasey sincerely thanks everyone for their support during this very difficult time. Our loss cannot be expressed in words. While the nation now knows Garrett as a hero who gave his life for others, he was also a devoted husband of 17 years and a wonderful father to his two children. His greatest joys were his family, his church, and his profession. We will cherish his memory, especially those times he spent tossing the football to his son and snuggling with his daughter on the couch.
Garrett was born in Melrose, Massachusetts. After a successful career in ice skating, Garrett found his calling as a police officer. Helping others brought him deep satisfaction and being a police officer was a part of him. In the end, his last act was for the safety and wellbeing of others and was a tribute to his life. What we need most today, and in the coming weeks, is your prayers for our family and for others who were impacted by this tragedy. We are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love that has come from the community and across the nation.
We understand this is a public tragedy felt by many and we also appreciate your support for us to grieve privately.”

Donations for the family can be made by clicking on this link:
https://www.youcaring.com/the-family-of-officer-swasey-rachel-swasey-and-children-477034/
The suspect Robert Lewis Dear, DOB: 4/16/58, is in the custody of the Sheriff at the Criminal Justice Center and will have his first appearance via video advisements on Monday, November 30, 2015, at 1:30 PM. The Colorado Supreme Court has set forth a specific rule that covers expanded media coverage.
Please note that should the Court grant the expanded media coverage, the rule requires the press to designate one media provider to record and then provide pool coverage to all other media providers. The rule attached will be strictly followed.
Please advise Jacqueline Kirby at 719-323-8736, as to which media provider will provide pool coverage. If coverage is granted, she will work with the media provider designated by all of you, and only if directed by the Court, to set up coverage.
The Warrants with regard to this investigation have been sealed. Information regarding the timeline of events, motive of suspect and type of weapon used are part of the active investigation and are unable to be released at this time.
Interviews with the injured officers will not be granted at this time.
Jacqueline Kirby
Media Relations Manager/Public Information Officer
El Paso County Sheriff's Office
719-520-7183 office, 719-323-8736 cell
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>