The names of the four victims in Monday’s multiple shooting incident in Custer County have been released and the suspected gunman has been arrested. The suspect, 45-year-old Hanme K. Clark, was apprehended on Tuesday by New Mexico State Police, according to a social media post by the Custer County Sheriff’s Office.
The three deceased victims have been identified as Rob Geers, Beth Wade, and James Daulton, according to the Custer County coroner. Meanwhile, the fourth victim, Patty Daulton, is currently receiving treatment at a trauma center, as confirmed by the Custer County Sheriff’s Department.
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Despite the arrest of Clark, the suspect in the fatal shooting, the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Department stated on Tuesday that he remains at large. Video surveillance captured Clark entering a Walmart parking lot after the shooting, where he purchased multiple items before fleeing the scene in a white Ram 1500 pickup truck with a topper. The truck bears a Colorado license plate with the number BHLK27, as reported by the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.
Following the shooting, residents in the rural area were instructed to shelter in place for five hours as authorities conducted a manhunt. However, the order was lifted on Monday night. The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office then issued a social media post urging residents to shelter in place in the southeastern part of the county, which is approximately 40 miles northwest of the shooting site. The affected area spans from the Fremont County line to Poncha Springs, south of U.S. Route 50.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Salida Police Department, and Buena Vista Police Department, conducted an overnight search for Clark. The operation involved the use of two drones and received helicopter support from the Denver Police Department. Despite their efforts, the search concluded without locating Clark or his vehicle.
The U.S. Marshall Service and the Colorado Bureau of Investigations have now joined the search efforts. Authorities have received several tips regarding Clark’s whereabouts and believe they have a strong idea of his intended destination. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office has obtained an arrest warrant for Clark, charging him with three counts of first-degree murder. Sheriff Rich Smith stated that they are committed to arresting and prosecuting Clark on all charges.
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The shooting incident, which occurred on Monday afternoon at 173 Rocky Ridge Road, appears to have stemmed from a neighbor dispute, according to a Facebook post by the Custer County Sheriff’s Office. The incident took place in a wooded area on the property line and started as a suspected property dispute. Each victim was shot multiple times, and one woman remains in critical condition after being shot several times.
Sheriff Smith noted that property disputes are common in the area but rarely escalate to violence. Clark, who operates a business called Herbal Gardens, had been known to law enforcement for his involvement in property disputes over the years.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
