Boulder police have arrested 18-year-old Omar Perez in connection with a Halloween-night shooting that killed a University of Colorado Boulder student and left another injured.
Police identified Perez, of Thornton, as the suspect in a Monday statement. He faces charges of first-degree murder, first-degree assault and attempted first-degree murder, all alleging extreme indifference. Perez is not a CU Boulder student.
The shooting was reported at about 11.28pm on Saturday, 31 October, at a home in the 700 block of Marine Street in Boulder’s University Hill neighbourhood. Two 19-year-old men, both university students, were found with gunshot wounds. One died in hospital early on Sunday; the other remained hospitalised, police said.
Police said officers had been called to the home earlier that evening over a large party and cited residents for a nuisance party. Hundreds of attendees left after the party was shut down, while a smaller group remained. Investigators believe a group later tried to force its way into the house, and shots were fired after a scuffle.
The Boulder Daily Camera reported that Perez was booked into the Boulder County Jail at 9.39am on Monday. The arrest involved assistance from Thornton and Westminster police and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, according to the city statement.
Police said community tips helped identify the suspect within 24 hours. Detectives believe Perez was the only shooter, but said additional charges against other people involved remain possible. The investigation is ongoing, and police are seeking information from people who attended the party or may have relevant photos or video.
The families of both victims have asked for privacy, police said. The charges are allegations; Perez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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