Deputy Sheriff Samuel Kent Brownlee

Samuel Kent Brownlee

Deputy Sam Brownlee was shot and killed while attempting to capture a suspect following a high-speed chase.

A deputy from neighboring Morgan County and a Wiggins police officer attempted to stop the vehicle after recognizing it as being connected to an earlier domestic violence case. The driver refused to yield and lead officers from multiple agencies on a high-speed chase across Morgan and Weld counties.

The pursuit at times exceeded 100 miles per hour before stop sticks were deployed, successfully disabling the vehicle in a residential area of Evans. The man attempted to escape and a struggle ensued between the him and several officers. The man was able to gain control of Deputy Brownlee's service weapon and shot him three times. The subject was shot by other officers at the scene and died later at a nearby medical center.

Deputy Brownlee had served with the Weld County Sheriff's Office for five years. He is survived by his wife, two children, and two stepchildren.