A harrowing stand-off with an armed gunman on Independence Pass this summer resulted in an arrest and no injuries to law enforcement or three hostages. The officer responsible for that outcome got kudos last night.
Aspen Police Officer Braulio Jerez formally received the Black Diamond award by Aspen City Council. The award is the top-tier recognition for city employees who “perform beyond the expectations of their duties, and as a result benefits the City and community.” Jerez was the only city officer at the scene with three county deputies.
City manager Steve Barwick spoke on the officer’s behalf.
“Braulio showed exceptional courage in the face of danger,” Barwick said. “He not only saved lives, but also demonstrated to the Aspen community that they can depend on their officers in their time of need.”
The incident closed Independence Pass for hours as the standoff between suspect Brolin McConnel and Jerez was underway on Lincoln Creek Road. McConnel was brought to the Pitkin County Jail and has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, one count of kidnapping, two counts of attempted kidnapping, nine counts of menacing and one count of prohibited use of a firearm.