Two Pueblo County sheriff’s deputies were shot Friday afternoon while trying to confront a man who, from his home in Pueblo West, was making threats toward government buildings and law enforcement in Tennessee.
Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor said both wounded deputies are expected to fully recover.
“They’re going to be fine,” he said.
One deputy was shot in the side of their head. The other was wounded in their shoulder.
The man who was making threats, 48-year-old Eddie Lovins, was arrested. Taylor says authorities fired a “non-lethal” bean-bag round at him before taking him into custody.
Taylor said the suspect is known to law enforcement and that he has a history of mental illness and is a military veteran. Alcohol is also suspected as a factor in the confrontation Friday.
“We are aware of this individual from past contacts,” Taylor said. “Never before has he acted in this way.”