A man died in an officer-involved shooting in Pueblo, identified by family on Saturday

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) – Although authorities have not yet officially identified him, the family of 34-year-old Ronald Ray Valdez confirmed to KRDO 13 on Saturday that he was the one who was shot and killed by police officers Wednesday night.

Police details: At approximately 7:45 p.m. they received a report of a man with a gun in the parking lot Popeye restaurant at the intersection of US 50 and Outlook Boulevard; officers found a man in a vehicle and asked him to show his hands; he refused and then started shooting at the officers, who returned fire; Valdez died at the scene and no officers were injured.

An unspecified number of officers involved in the shooting are on administrative leave pending an investigation.

The Rev. Paul Montoya, a local pastor known for helping people experiencing homelessness, said the Valdez family asked him to lead the vigil Saturday evening.

“I didn’t know Ron personally, but I know his sisters,” he said. “It’s a really great family. They have brought donations to my house before because they know I help the homeless community. I met with the sisters a few times and it doesn’t seem like (the incident) was actually what Ronnie was like. But I really don’t know what happened. I remain neutral. I’m just here to help the family and make them comfortable. I’ll probably help them with the funeral too. “

Unfortunately, this is not the first time Montoya has performed this type of service.

“That evening, within 20 minutes, there was a shooting on the East Side,” he recalled. “I heard shots. I’m starting to get used to it. We need to start taking better care of ourselves. I know it’s hard to be a policeman these days – there’s a staff shortage and you can’t be everywhere at once. But families have no answers and feel like no one is doing anything. But the truth will eventually come out.”