Investigation Into Non-Injury Shooting at The Ranch
The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a non-injury shooting that occurred on The Ranch Events Complex property.
On April 29, 2023 around 11:45 p.m., the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office received a report of gunshots outside of the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland. Deputies responded to the area where the shots had been heard and found multiple shell casings. No injured people or property damage were located, nor have any been reported to law enforcement.
The Budweiser Events Center was placed on a security hold while deputies conducted a sweep of the area. During their initial investigation, they received information that the shots had come from a dark-colored sedan. Deputies located a vehicle matching the description traveling north on Fairgrounds Avenue. They attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle sped away. Deputies pursued the vehicle, which stopped in the 6400 block of South County Road 5 in Windsor. The driver exited and ran away on foot. Deputies used an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone) to locate him hiding in a field and safely took him into custody. A handgun was located in the vehicle.
The man was identified as Jesse Valdez (DOB 02/02/2003) of Denver. Deputies learned that Valdez was associated with a group involved in disturbances throughout the evening at a mixed martial arts event at The Ranch. He was arrested on an existing misdemeanor warrant and the following charges:
- Vehicular Eluding (F5)
- Obstructing Government Operations (M3)
- Third Degree Criminal Trespass (PO1)
- Driving Motor Vehicle While License Under Restraint - Suspended/Revoked/Denied
Additional charges are pending. Investigators are working to identify any possible vehicle passenger/s who may have been involved with the shooting. Anyone with information or who witnessed this incident is asked to contact Investigator Lance Cartrite at 970-498-5560. People who wish to remain anonymous can also contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or www.stopcriminals.org.
“We work hard to create a safe environment at The Ranch, and we absolutely will not tolerate behavior that endangers patrons and disrupts events,” said Lieutenant Brad Harkin, who leads operations at the event complex. “I’m extremely grateful that nobody was hurt, and I sincerely appreciate the collaborative efforts of our first responders who sprang into action to keep patrons safe.”
LCSO would like to thank our local public safety partners who assisted with the event and investigation, including the Loveland Police Department, Fort Collins Police Services, Windsor Police Department, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, Thompson Valley EMS, and Colorado State Patrol.
The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
