A fugitive sought by the Park County Sheriff's Department died in the ambulance after he was shot during a struggle as S.W.A.T. attempted to execute a search warrant. The suspect, 48-year-old Roger Talbert, is said to have charged one of the officers, attempting to grab the officer's weapon, earlier reports from the Sheriff's Department said.
According to Undersheriff Monte Gore, the El Paso County Metro Bomb Squad met with Park County Sheriff's Officials on Saturday, January 15, 2006 at approximately 9:00 am. They proceeded to survey the suspect's house for booby traps. Officers report finding a large sophisticated marijuana grow operation along with numerous strategically placed firearms. No actual booby traps were located, according to Gore. Along with weapons, Talbert had a police scanner, a ghillie suit (sophisticated camoflauge suit), a large assortment of knives and survival gear.
The Colorado Bureau of Invistigation is taking over the officer involved shooting portion of the investigation and will advise the District Attorney's Office of their findings. Park County Investigators will continue to process the marijuana grow operation scene located at the residence.
Law enforcement had been searching the Alma area for Talbert since an incident at the Park County Clerk's office on Friday caused an emergency call to go out for assistance from law enforcement. Talbert was angry about a $10 late fee added to a motor vehicle registration, according to reports. Officers pursued Talbert after he left the clerk's office and the vehicle was stopped outside of Alma. He left the vehicle carrying a shotgun and fled into nearby woods, ignoring officers' instructions to stop.
On January 18, 2006, Park County Coroner Sharon Morris released results of autopsy for Roger Talbert. According to the Coroner, the autopsy indicates that Talbert died from exanguination (loss of blood) due to multiple internal injuries resulting from a gunshot wound. The toxicology report was negative for alcohol and all drugs of abuse except marijuana, which was positive.
