On Monday, June 12, 2023, at approximately 9:33 a.m., Pueblo Police located a vehicle involved in a menacing case parked at a hotel. Police determined the suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Zackary Ortega, had parked at an adjacent hotel, and walked into a room at another hotel, Motel 6 (4103 N. Elizabeth Street).
When officers attempted to contact Ortega, he refused to exit the room. Ortega had three felony warrants for Contempt-Robbery, Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (POWPO), and Motor Vehicle Theft. A tactical services call was activated to include SWAT and Crisis Negotiators. While negotiators attempted to talk Ortega out of the hotel room, a partial evacuation of the hotel was done for everyone’s safety.
Ortega gained access to additional rooms in one wing of the hotel by accessing the attic. Ortega refused to exit the attic and moved between several rooms. Ortega eventually surrendered at approximately 3:50 p.m.
Zackary Ortega was charged with felony Criminal Mischief and Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender.
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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