FOUNTAIN — A day after his death, community members gathered at the Fountain Police station to mourn Officer Julian Becerra. His former cruiser was adorned with flowers, cards, and candles.
The Fountain Police Department made the announcement of his passing Saturday evening. "We appreciate the public’s outpouring of support over the past week for Officer Becerra, his family and the Fountain Police Department. This is an evolving process, and the family is requesting privacy while they navigate the difficult task of planning for Julian’s final rest. The family has elected to not make any public statements at this time."
"He is watching over you. and he will always be in your hearts," said Danielle Norden.
Norden grew to know Officer Becerra by dropping her kids off at the school he would regularly watch over. She says he had a different personality than other police officers she's met.
"When I met him and his dog, he seemed like a personable officer. Like, 'hey, what's going on, I'll joke around with you, this is my dog', and his dog gave the biggest, sloppiest kisses," she continued.
The Mayor of Fountain, Sharon Thompson, gave a public statement today acknowledging that she has spoken to Becerra's family.
"This is a tough time for our city. And I want all of our police officers and first responders to know we are standing with them and by them, and are so honored and proud of their service to our community," said Thompson.
She encouraged the city of Fountain to come together, and console each other.
"I would ask our community to embrace two words as we work through this tragedy: grace and kindness."
Officer Becerra served with the Fountain Police Department for four and a half years and was assigned to the Patrol Division as a K9 Officer.
He previously served with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office as a Security Technician starting in 2014, and later moved on to become a Deputy Sheriff. He resigned from that role in 2018.
According to an online fundraiser established by his brother-law-law, Becerra is an Air Force Veteran. He and his wife have a 1-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter.
Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez offered his condolences to Becerra's family and the Fountain Police Department.
Background on Becerra's injuries
On Feb. 2, Becerra was among the Fountain PD officers assisting the Department of Corrections Patrol Unit in locating carjacking suspects from Pueblo. Two of the three suspects had active warrants out for their arrest.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., the vehicle was spotted on southbound I-25 traveling towards Fountain. The suspects led officers on a chase up and down I-25 until the suspects were seen at Loves Travel Plaza on Mesa Ridge Highway.
It was at Loves that officers saw the suspects attempt to steal another vehicle before the suspects got back on road for a resumed chase on northbound I-25.
The suspect's vehicle was partially disabled once exiting at South Academy due to a tire deflation device. Once the vehicle stopped, the driver exited and ran from officers on foot.
During the chase, Officer Becerra fell over the bridge and landed 40 feet below. Officer Becerra was then airlifted to the hospital.
Fountain Police have not provided details on what led to Becerra's fall.
"Whether it was a fall or trip, a push, a slip, we really don't know. We're reviewing all the evidence that we have at the moment," Commander Mark Cristiani said the day after the incident.
While the driver of the vehicle attempted to jump off the bridge, officers grabbed him before falling. Officers stated the suspect repeatedly said, “let me go. I want to die."
The three suspects have been identified as 31-year-old Devon Bobian of Pueblo, 28-year-old Danisha Pacheco of Pueblo, and 37-year-old Anthony Vallejos of Pueblo.
Devon Bobian and Anthony Vallejos were arrested on multiple active felony warrants, along with multiple felony charges related to the chase. Danisha Pacheco was arrested on multiple felony charges related to the chase.
Officer Becerra has been a sworn officer with the Fountain Police Department for four and a half years and is currently assigned to the Patrol Division as a K9 Officer.
Donations can be made to the Becerra family via The Southern Colorado Law Enforcement Foundation. When completing the online donation form, please check the “Designated” box and enter Julian Becerra in the “Designated Officer Name” field.
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