Alleged Deputy-Shooter Appears in Adams Co. Courtroom

BRIGHTON, CO -- A suspect in Wednesday's shooting death of Adams Co. Sheriff's Deputy Heath Gumm, 32, made a first-advisement appearance in Adams Co. court Friday. Dreion Martise Dearing, 22, was booked on charges of first-degree murder. The arrest affidavit for Dearing was filed under seal, Adams Co. District Attorney David Young said. He is due in court at 10 a.m. Wednesday for filing of formal charges by the District Attorney’s Office.

Dearing was one of three persons involved in an alleged assault in Thornton, to which Gumm and other officers were dispatched Wednesday night. According to the Adams Co. Sheriff's office, Dearing fled from the scene around a house near 88th and Dawson Street and officers followed. Dearing allegedly fired a handgun at officers, striking Gumm in the chest, the sheriff's statement said. Gumm was taken to Denver Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

After a manhunt ensued for two other individuals, the Adams Co. Sheriff announced that they had been contacted Thursday and that they were interviewed in the case. The sheriff's office said neither was in custody.

Dearing was listed as booked in the Adams Co. Detention Center Thursday being held on two counts of first-degree murder of a peace officer, one count of first-degree murder after deliberation and second-degree burglary. He was held on no bond. Adams Co. did not release a photo of Dearing, but other news outlets did release a photo from the Colorado Dept. of Corrections.

At that point, Adams Co. Sheriff asked news agencies to withhold publishing Dearing's mugshot.

Now that Dearing has appeared publicly in court, media have resumed publishing his photo.

Dearing has a police record dating back to 2013. Channel9 found court records showing Dearing was arrested on a robbery charge at age 17 after allegedly stealing a woman's iPad at 16th Street Mall and then on an assault charge after allegedly striking a man and knocking him unconscious.

Meanwhile, Adams Co. Sheriff Michael McIntosh held a press conference Friday where he read a statement from the Gumm Family

Message from Gumm Family
Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude for the incredible support and empathy expressed during this difficult time. We have truly been amazed by the generous nature of the community. Our hearts are warmed by the display of compassion from complete strangers who stood, and continue stand alongside our family. As we passed behind the tinted windows of a brightly lit motorcade, your heartfelt wishes for our husband, son and brother has given his life a beautiful purpose.
We have no words that appropriately say thank you for the donations sent and offers to help to our extended law enforcement family as they continue to watch over our family and community.
We would also like to express our gratitude for all law enforcement officers who served by Heath’s side, and all those who now work to honor his life and service. This family support means more to us than we will ever be able to effectively describe. Please stay safe as you continue to watch over those you made a commitment to serve. You are all deeply appreciated. Finally, we respectfully ask for your continued assistance respecting our privacy as we move through this time of healing and much needed rest.

Funeral information for Deputy Gumm will be posted on the sheriff's website.

Donations for the Gumm family can be made through the Adams County Sheriff’s Foundation
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation

Image via Colorado Dept. of Corrections