(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) said four deputies are on paid administrative leave per policy in connection to the deadly officer-involved shooting that happened on Tuesday, March 18. On Tuesday at around 7 p.m., Pueblo Police Department (PPD) officers were looking for Billy Soto, a suspect in an attempted murder from Feb. 3, 2025. According to PPD, the officers were ambushed by Soto, who fired at officers. PPD: Suspect dead, three officers injured in Pueblo shooting PCSO said four patrol deputies were among PCSO staff that helped PPD during and after the shooting, which left three PPD officers injured and the suspect dead. “Our prayers go out to the injured Pueblo Police officers and their families,” said Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero. “Anytime a law enforcement officer is shot in the line of duty, it’s a tragedy. We stand with our brothers and sisters at the Pueblo Police Department during this difficult time.” On Tuesday night, deputies were called after PPD contacted the Sheriff's Office minutes after the shooting, requesting a K9 to help search for Soto. Three PCSO K9s and their handlers responded along with at least six additional deputies to assist PPD with the still-active situation. Deputies worked alongside police officers as Soto allegedly continued to shoot at law enforcement. Four deputies fired shots at Soto, who later died on the scene. No deputies were harmed in the incident. Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez RoweCourtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez RoweCourtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez RoweCourtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez RoweCourtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez RoweCourtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez RoweCourtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez RoweCourtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Deputies remained throughout the night and into Wednesday to help secure the scene. Because of the involvement of both PPD officers and PCSO deputies, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation has taken the lead in the investigation. “As this situation unfolded and we learned the magnitude of the incident, our deputies did not hesitate to join our partners at the Pueblo Police Department in stopping this threat,” Lucero added. “This is a chilling example of the unknown risks our law enforcement officers face each day. I want to thank all of the deputies and police officers in Pueblo County who put their lives on the line every day to keep this community safe.” ...read more read less