Fugitive involved in Antonito shootout arrested in Denver

WESTMINSTER — The man who has been wanted by local law enforcement agencies in the Valley has been captured in Westminster, according to a Tweet from the Colorado State Patrol.

Fernando Vigil, was involved in a shootout May 4 in the area of Antonito and was wanted on several outstanding felony warrants and a history of violence.

According to 7News in Denver, Vigil was lured to a motel at Interstate 25 and East 120th Avenue when he was arrested May 27 and faces additional charges of attempted homicide of a peace officer in Conejos County. It was unknown at press time when Vigil will be transported to Conejos County to face additional charges related to the shootout, according to Undersheriff Chris Crown.

At the time of the incident, law enforcement officers, including the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and Conejos County Sheriff’s Office, were given information that Vigil was in and around the Town of Antonito. A Colorado State Trooper located the vehicle in which Vigil was suspected to be in.

When officers tried to stop the pickup Vigil was driving, he accelerated and attempted to elude authorities. The pickup collided with a Conejos County Sheriff’s Deputy vehicle, and made its way eastbound on Conejos County Road G. Vigil then sped up and became reckless while traveling on County Road G toward the Lobato Bridge at the Conejos/Costilla County line.

A CSP trooper initiated a tactical vehicle intervention which caused the pickup to spin out of control and rolled onto its top. When CSP and Conejos deputies attempted to arrest the Vigil, shots were fired from the vehicle at the trooper, who returned fire.

Vigil was able to escape, but a female passenger, Christine Cano, was arrested and booked at the Conejos County Jail on several outstanding warrants.