Man Accused Of Gunning Down Deputy Formally Charged

BRIGHTON, Colo. (CBS4)- The man accused of gunning down and killing an Adams County Sheriff's deputy last week appeared in court on Wednesday morning.

Adams County Sheriff's Deputy Heath Gumm was shot and killed near 88th Avenue and Washington Street in Thornton on Jan. 24 while responding to an assault.

Authorities arrested Dreion Dearing, 22, after the shooting. On Wednesday, he was formally charged with first-degree murder in the shooting and killing of Gumm.

Dearing was also charged with first-degree felony murder of a peace officer, first-degree murder after deliberation, first-degree felony murder, first-degree burglary, possession of a weapon by a previous offender and third-degree assault.

He appeared in court in orange and white inmate stripes while shackled at the wrists and ankles.

Several Adams County Sheriff's deputies were in court for the hearing, just two days before Gumm's memorial service.

"As the leader of the organization for which our deputy was killed, I think it's important to represent the agency in that way. This is obviously a very difficult time for the sheriff's office and we've now turned it over to the DA's office, to Dave and his team," said Adams County Sheriff Michael McIntosh.

Dearing's bond will be determined after the judge is presented with the evidence against him at his preliminary hearing in April. Until then, he remains in custody without bond.

Two other individuals identified in connection with the physical altercation in Thornton were "located and questioned," but were later released by investigators.

Funeral arrangements were announced this week for Gumm.

Adams County Sheriff's officials say the funeral will happen on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Flatirons Community Church on South Boulder Road in Lafayette.

Adams County tweeted an update on the viewing for Thursday which initially had been open to the public but now it will be a closed viewing.

In:
• Adams County Sheriff's Office