The Grand Junction Police Department is releasing the following information on behalf of the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT).
The investigation of the officer-involved shooting which occurred on 10/20/23 remains ongoing. As with all officer-involved shootings in Mesa County, the CIRT is conducting the investigation.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 500 block of 31 ½ Rd to contact a wanted male suspect on 10/20/23, at approximately 9:40 p.m., and an officer-involved shooting occurred. The suspect, 56-year-old Ray Cox, was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There were no other injuries sustained in this incident. Upon discharge from the hospital, Cox was remanded to the Mesa County Detention Facility and booked on the following charges:
- Assault on a Peace Officer (Three Counts)
- Criminal Mischief
The CIRT continues to conduct interviews and collect evidence in this case. As the investigation continues, there may be additional charges. Additional details will be released as appropriate, with sensitivity to the ongoing investigation. Read here for more information about the original incident.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office will be responsible for releasing the names of the involved deputies. As per Mesa County Sheriff’s Office policy, their deputies remain on paid administrative leave.
Once the CIRT has completed its investigation, the findings will be turned over to the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review.
All officer-involved shootings in Mesa County are investigated by the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team, which is comprised of representatives of the Grand Junction Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Fruita Police Department, Palisade Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Department of Corrections, 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Because Mesa County Sheriff's Office personnel were involved in this incident, the Grand Junction Police Department is leading this investigation on behalf of CIRT.
Current booking photo not available at this time.