Traffic stop under review by Gunnison Police Department

In the early morning hours of Sunday, Sept. 27, an officer with the Gunnison Police Department, with assistance from a local partner agency, conducted a traffic stop east of the City of Gunnison near U.S. Highway 50. Based on the initial information available and received by a license plate reader, the vehicle was believed to be stolen and that its occupants could be in possession of stolen property. Within one minute of the stop, officers determined that the vehicle was not stolen.

The driver and passengers were informed of the reason for the stop and the circumstances surrounding the law enforcement response. The individuals were immediately released without physical injury. However, significant concerns and questions related to this stop have been identified.

Consistent with policy, the Gunnison Police Department is conducting an internal review of the incident to establish the facts and evaluate the actions taken during the traffic stop. Investigators are gathering and examining all relevant information.

As with any ongoing review, additional information may provide context or change the understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Once the relevant facts have been gathered and there is a clearer understanding of what occurred and why, additional communication will be released. The Gunnison Police Department will reserve final conclusions and any related actions until the review is complete.