BULLHEAD CITY – A Bullhead City man has died after being shot at the Schneider Skate Park in Durango, Colorado. Police responded to a report of shots fired at about 1:17 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5.
The incident began as a random encounter between two men, according to a press release issued by the Durango, Col. Police Department.
“One of the males identified as Chad Alexander Blechinger, 42, Durango, produced a handgun,” the news release said. “The victim, identified as Noah Alan Roe, 29, Bullhead City, was transported to Mercy Hospital, where he underwent surgery.”
Roe reportedly died about five hours later.
Police Department drones were deployed over the crime scene before officers arrived, capturing the suspect’s arrest on video.
“In the video, Blechinger can be seen standing on the sidewalk as officers arrive,” the release said. “As officers approached, Blechinger laid down on the ground and was taken into custody without incident.”
The Durango Herald newspaper provided more incident detail from an arrest affidavit.
The paper quotes witnesses who indicated that the random encounter between the men involved an exchange of words before an argument evolved into a fight that Blechinger appeared to be winning. One witness reportedly told police that the unarmed Roe told Blechinger to shoot him, and he did.
Blechinger reportedly asserted a self-defense claim. He remains in custody as investigation continues.
Dave Hawkins
