Colo. Springs Slain Deputy: Funeral Arrangements Announced

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- Saying the death of a deputy was "my biggest fear," El Paso Co. Sheriff Bill Elder remembered his slain detective, Micah Flick, 34, and praised his deputies Tuesday.

"On my first day as sheriff, I was asked what my biggest fear was, and my biggest fear was losing a member of this family to tragedy in the line of duty. My heart is broken, for family and for the citizens of this county," Elder said.

Flick was killed Monday, making him the third deputy in the state to be killed in recent days. Three other officers and one civilian were wounded in the shooting that was began when authorities were investigating an auto theft. The suspect, Manuel Zetina, 19, of Colorado Springs, died at the scene.

Elder said Flick was well-known in the sheriff's office.

"Almost everybody in this agency knew him. He was a great father and a great friend to many... [Flick] grew up in this community, he attended Colorado Springs Christian schools, and he was well-respected. He did a great job at what he did, that's why he was a detective," Elder said.

Flick celebrated his 11th anniversary with the department the day he was shot and killed. Flick is survived by his wife and 7-year-old twins.

Other law enforcement agents injured in the shooting were:

EPSO Detective Deputy Scott Stone, a five-year patrol veteran, was wounded by gunfire and was listed in stable condition at Memorial Hospital.

ESPO Detective Sgt. Jake Abendschan was injured, possibly by shrapnel, and released from the hospital Monday night.

Detective Marcus Yanez, a 7-year veteran of the Colorado Springs Police Department was treated and released from a local hospital.

An adult male civilian walking in the area was also shot and wounded by gunfire. He is undergoing treatment at an area hospital, CSPD said.

Funeral information for Micah Flick was released Tuesday.

Flick's funeral will take place Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., at New Life Church, t 11025 Vayager Parkway in Colorado Springs.

Elder also said a fund for donations to Flick's family had been set up by the sheriff's department.

Here is a link: https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/deputy-micah-flick …

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Foundation

1980 Dominion Way, Ste. 200.

Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Monday's incident started around 4 p.m. when authorities from the El Paso Sheriff's Department, Colorado Springs Police and Colorado State Patrol investigated a vehicle theft in the 4400 block of Galley Road, said Pete Carey, chief of the Colorado Springs Police Department.

All of the detectives were wearing plain clothes, but with placards front-and-back saying they were police, Elder said. All of the officers were wearing body armor.

A struggle ensued with during the attempted arrest of Zetina, who allegedly shot at officers with a semi-automatic handgun. Three detectives returned fire, according to a statement from the Colorado Springs Police Department.

The injured were taken to nearby Memorial Hospital.

Flick's family released the following statement:

Statement from the Flick Family
"Husband, Father, Son, Grandson, Brother, Uncle, Nephew. Our Beloved Micah Flick.
It is with immeasurable pride and unfathomable grief that we remember the incredible sacrifice that Micah made in service to our community and country.
Micah was truly passionate about helping those who could not help themselves. Knowing the risks, he pursued that mission with all he had. Our family is grieving the loss of a hero; a man who reacted instantaneously and selflessly to protect the public and fellow law enforcement officers.
We are also grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man who was many different things to many different people. Above all, he was a man who loved Jesus, loved his family and lived life with zeal, hunger and passion.
As a family, we thank the communities of Colorado Springs, El Paso County, the State of Colorado and our entire Nation for the abundance of love that has been poured out. We would also like to thank the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for their tireless and heartfelt support and guidance as we navigate this chapter in our lives.
We take comfort in knowing that Micah’s legacy will be his faith in God and his deep, rich character that will continue to shine in the hearts and lives of his wife, Rachael and their two children, whom he loved with his whole heart."

3 Deputies killed in 37 days

Flick is one of three deputies to be killed in recent days. Deputy Zack Parrish was killed and several other officers injured Dec. 31, and Deputy Heath Gumm was shot Jan. 24.

In a statement, Gov. John Hickenlooper called the latest shooting a "senseless act of violence."

"With the recent loss of now three deputies and many others injured, there’s no denying the grave impact this sequence of shootings is having on our state," Hickenlooper said. “We will once more come together to provide sympathy and strength for the deputy’s loved ones and pray for the recovery of those injured; however, we also must come together and say enough is enough. We want each officer, every deputy, to know we are grateful for their service.”

Eight officers in the U.S. have been killed in the line of duty since the start of the year. In 2017, 128 were killed, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

--Photo via El Paso County Sheriff's Department

Also See:

Deputy Killed, Officers Shot In Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Deputy Shooting: Suspect IDed

Image via El Paso Co. Sheriff