On Saturday, May 20, 2023, at approximately 11:28 p.m., Pueblo police were dispatched to 1100 block of Russ Ave. on a man with a weapon call. The suspect, later identified as 21-year-old Johny Dennel was attempting to enter an apartment and had menaced a female.  

When officers attempted to contact Dennel, he (Dennel) fired a round toward the officers. An officer returned fire. Dennel moved back to the main hallway of the apartment complex, dropped the pistol and surrendered to police custody.   

Dennel was arrested and booked into the Pueblo County Detention Center for Criminal Attempt 1^st Degree Murder of a Peace Officer, Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender x2 and Theft. 

The information contained in this press release is based on preliminary information available at the time of its drafting. The Pueblo Police Department’s understanding of this incident may change as additional evidence is collected, analyzed, and reviewed. The purpose of this press release is to provide timely information to the public. In consideration of the foregoing, please be advised that any statements expressed herein are subject to change at any time.

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