An officer has serious injuries and a suspect is dead following a shooting on April 9. Police say it happened just outside the Don Quixote Apartments on the south side of Pueblo.
The officer injured was identified as Jonathan Bell. He has been employed with the department since September of 2017.
Nine week prior to the shooting, Officer Bell and his wife welcomed their first child. Officer Bell is this year's "AdsitStrong 5K Run' honoree. Officer Bell and his family will benefit from your contribution. The 5K is taking place on Sept. 15 at 500 Fairgrounds Dr. in Castle Rock. You can read more about AdsitStrong at the bottom of this article.
The other officer involved in the Pueblo shooting was identified as Julee Burns, who began her employment in February of 2018.
The suspect was identified as 28-year-old Michael Wray Hensley of Pueblo.
Investigators say the two officers were talking to Hensley and asked to search him. That's when officers say Hensley ran off, pulled out a gun, and opened fire at police. Officers returned fire, and at some point the suspect was killed.
Officer Bell was hit in the legs, and underwent surgery at a hospital in Colorado Springs.
Officer Burns was not injured.
Hensley was on parole at the time of the incident and he had an active arrest warrant for parole violation.
HOW YOU CAN HELP OFFICER BELL FROM PUEBLO PD:
Officer Bell was shot a total of five times in both of his legs by an armed suspect who was wanted for parole violation. Officer Bell sustained very serious injuries, including a shattered femur as well as extensive muscular and vascular damage. Officer Bell has been hospitalized since the date of the incident, during which time he has undergone several surgeries and procedures. Although Officer Bell has thus far made tremendous progress in his recovery, he still faces significant challenges ahead.
Upon news of this incident reaching the community, numerous individuals, groups and organizations began showing a generous amount of support for Officer Bell. Officer Bell and his family, as well as the entire Pueblo Police Department, are extremely appreciative of the community’s support. The purpose of this communication is to provide direction to members of the community who would like to continue showing their ongoing support for Officer Bell.
Members of the community who would like to send items to Officer Bell can deliver them to the lobby of the Pueblo Police Department, care of Officer Katie LaConte. The Pueblo Police Department is located within the Pueblo Municipal Justice Center at 200 S Main Street in Pueblo. Monetary donations can also be made online via the Colorado Springs Police Protective Association’s newly formed Fallen Officer Relief Fund (https://csppa.org/fallen-officers), which is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. If making an online donation, please note in the “special instructions to the seller” field that the donation is intended for Officer Jonathan Bell. Although Officer Bell is not making any special requests from the community, he and his family will be able to make the most use out of gift cards and monetary donations. Of course, Officer Bell very much appreciates supportive cards and letters as well.
Officer Jonathon Bell and his wife, Melinda, just welcomed their first child nine weeks ago. Prior to his employment at the Pueblo Police Department, Officer Bell served active duty in the United States Army Infantry for three and a half years. Officer Bell completed one tour in Afghanistan during his active duty service. He is currently a member of the Army National Guard.
Officer Bell and his wife Melinda, along with the entire Pueblo Police Department, are very gracious for all of the support our partners at the Colorado Springs Police Department have provided during Officer Bell's hospitalization in Colorado Springs. Thank you! :
On May 2, 2015, the first annual Rise and Run 5K to honor John Adsit was hosted. The event was an overwhelming success with nearly 1,000 runners participating. John and his family were so overwhelmed by the support of the community during this incredibly difficult time. Although John realizes that he could never repay them for the amazing support he received, he wants to do whatever is possible in paying it forward. John created AdsitStrong.org—a nonprofit charity, to benefit other first responders who have been gravely injured. This year, the Rise and Run 5K is being presented by AdsitStrong.org. Injured Pueblo Police Officer Jonathon Bell is this year’s beneficiary. We are excited to come together to honor a law enforcement officer with the community.
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