Gunman Arrested in Custer County Standoff: “History of Aggression”

The man arrested in yesterday’s standoff near Westcliffe, James Adams, 49, had a history of aggression and was a suspect in the 2023 Hanme murder that happened in the same vicinity, local agencies reported today.

Adams held the Custer County Sheriff’s (CCSO) department in a day-long ordeal yesterday that eventually ended peacefully with no reported injuries.

The incident began shortly after 9:45 a.m. Wednesday when CCSO deputies responded to a “low priority” call on Rocky Ridge Road northeast of Silver Cliff. A vehicle had been left in the middle of a road. The deputy called in a tow truck to move the vehicle. Upon arrival, CCSO said the deputy reported shortly before 11:30 a.m. that they and the tow truck driver were under gunfire. The gunman was firing from a house near the scene.

Assistance was coordinated from several law enforcement agencies including the US Marshall, the Colorado State Patrol and the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.

Throughout the standoff, the Wet Mountain Tribune stated that “Adams would come to the open or broken window on occasion, showing a 1911-style semiautomatic handgun that he had duct-taped to his left hand. With his right, he smoked a cigarette, drank water, and occasionally threw items out the window. Adams would sit down or re-enter the home to speak with negotiators off and on over the phone. A team of professionals continued to speak with him. At times, when he was agitated, he fired a shot in the house.”

Around 6pm, the Sheriff stated that gas was introduced into the home, limiting the gunman’s actions, whereupon he peacefully surrendered.

In a Facebook post from the CCSO, https://www.facebook.com/reel/2609054446283594 Sheriff Smith provided a summary and conclusion to a tactical incident that ended with no injuries or loss of life. He said that he is incredibly proud of and thankful for the men and women that serve in the Custer County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Smith also stated he was thankful for the SWAT team sent in to help by the Chaffee County Sheriff with support of the US Marshalls Office SWAT team, among others.

The list of charges are forthcoming.

Photo courtesy Custer County Sheriff’s Office.