Estes Park Police Officer Eric Rose Found Dead Following Investigation Into Domestic Violence Situation
ESTES PARK, Colo. (CBS4)- Estes Park Police Cpt. Eric Rose was found dead in his home on Thursday night. Rose, 61, was involved in an investigation alleging that he committed a domestic violence situation that occurred on Sept. 17.
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office was investigating the allegation and interviewing family members on Thursday afternoon. The investigators were notified that Rose was at his residence with two other family members.
According to deputies, several attempts were made to contact Rose at the home. He was not in contact but the two family members were safely removed from the residence.
Based on the interviews conducted during the investigation, search warrants were drafted and the Larimer County Sheriff's Office Crisis Response Team, along with the Boulder County Sheriff's Office SWAT team served the search warrant at Rose's residence about 9:15 p.m. Thursday.
That's when Rose was found deceased at the residence. The cause of death, according to the Larimer County Coroner, was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and the manner was suicide.
The investigation into the domestic violence situation will continue and those results will be presented to the district attorney.
The Town of Estes Park released this statement on Friday: The Town Board and staff are devastated by the loss of our colleague in the Police Department. Our hearts are with the officer's family during this most difficult time.
The Estes Park Chief of Police released this statement, "Captain Eric Rose was a dedicated officer with our department for over 26 years, and a highly respected member of our command staff. He began his law enforcement career with our agency, when we hired him in May of 1995. He was a born leader who was always community-focused and service-oriented. He was a pillar of the community-oriented policing in which our department prides itself. As Emergency Manager he led our community through floods, fires and so much more. His work positively impacted the safety and sustainability of our community for its residents and visitors. This entire situation is a shock to our team, and I can't begin to describe the heartache we are feeling. Please keep Eric's family in your hearts and prayers."
Estes Park Mayor Wendy Koenig released this statement, "We are without words to describe the pain we feel. Estes Park is a small town, and many of us have known Captain Rose and his family personally for decades. Please join us in sending thoughts and prayers to Eric's family. Our hearts also go out to his fellow Police officers and Town staff, who are all suffering a great loss."
Additional Information from the Town of Estes:
Suicide prevention is a critical need. Since 2008, suicide has ranked as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Americans who need help today can find it by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling 1-800-273- 8255 (1-800-273-TALK) and through online chats. Veterans and Service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing, as well as by chatting online at www.veteranscrisisline.net or texting 838255.
