An Arizona man shot multiple times Tuesday near the Durango Skate Park died from his injuries at Mercy Hospital, according to an arrest affidavit.
The victim was identified as Noah Roe, 29, of Bullhead City, Arizona. He was shot three times after fighting with another man, the affidavit said.
Police arrested Chad Blechinger, 42, of Durango, in connection with the shooting. Blechinger was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and is scheduled for an advisement hearing Thursday morning in La Plata County Combined Courts.
The shooting was reported at 1:17 p.m. in the 1300 block of Roosa Avenue. Blechinger surrendered when police arrived, according to the Durango Police Department.
“As officers approached, Blechinger laid down on the ground and was arrested without incident,” a DPD news release said Wednesday.
A witness and three police officers performed life-saving measures on Roe before the arrival of Durango Fire Protection District medics. He was taken to Mercy Hospital, where he died at 6:04 p.m., the affidavit said.
The affidavit said officers interviewed three witnesses – John Weitlauf, Burt Weidner and Laura Beaton – who had been nearby or present when the shooting occurred.
Weitlauf and Weidner said they were sitting beneath a tree with Blechinger when they observed Roe walking north on the Animas River Trail.
“Roe said something to (Weitlauf, Weidner and Blechinger), but they did not understand what (Roe) was saying,” the affidavit said. “(Roe) then threatened (Blechinger) to which he responded (by) telling him that he was going to kick (Roe) in the stomach.”
Blechinger allegedly kicked Roe and the two began fighting, according to the affidavit. Weitlauf and Weidner said it appeared Blechinger was “winning.”
“(Roe) and (Blechinger) then separated from each other where (Roe) took off his shirt, and (Blechinger) opened his shirt and reached inside,” the affidavit said.
Roe allegedly told Blechinger to shoot him. Weitlauf and Weidner said Roe was unarmed and was not advancing toward Blechinger.
Blechinger then allegedly shot Roe three times with a chrome-plated .38 revolver, the affidavit said. Weitlauf said he did not believe (Blechinger) was in fear for his life.
One woman told police she was on the opposite side of the Animas River Trail footbridge located near where the shooting took place. She reported hearing the three gunshots, and walked across the bridge to see what had happened.
“She walked across the bridge where (Blechinger) approached and told her ‘Call 911, I just shot that guy,’” the affidavit said.
After shooting Roe, Blechinger allegedly placed the gun into the back of a red Dodge pickup truck parked at the skate park. He was reportedly heard saying he had shot Roe in self-defense and requested a lawyer.
The DPD news release said two of the department’s drones arrived on scene to monitor the situation while officers were en route. Video captured by the drones showed Blechinger lay on the ground and surrender to police as they arrived.
“The video also shows community members providing aid to Roe before officers arrived,” the release said. “One officer immediately transitioned to providing medical aid to Roe while other officers secured Blechinger and moved him to a patrol vehicle.”
The release said an investigation into the shooting remains active, and that there are no further threats to the community.
“We also want to recognize the community members who immediately stepped in to help Roe,” the release said. “Their actions showed courage, compassion and care during an incredibly difficult moment.”
The release said gun violence has no place in Durango.
“Acts of violence have a lasting impact on our community,” the release said. “Disagreements, anger and conflict can never justify taking a life. Our community deserves public spaces where families, residents, and visitors feel safe.”
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