FRUITA, CO — On Sunday, May 3, 2026, Fruita Police officers responded to a reported shooting near the Old Fruita Middle School area. Investigators determined that a suspect fired multiple shots at a vehicle occupied by a family member. A nearby residence was also struck by the gunfire.
Believing the suspect may have retreated to a residence associated with the incident, SWAT teams from the Grand Junction Police Department and the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office conducted an initial search of the home and its outbuildings. The residence was cleared, and officers continued to search the surrounding area for the suspect.
On the morning of Monday, May 4, Fruita Police conducted an additional protective sweep of the same property. During the secondary search, officers discovered the suspect had returned to the property and was hiding under a pile of clothing inside a detached garage.
The suspect, identified as Michael Etzler, 63, was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including:
- Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder in the First Degree (Class 2 Felony)
- Criminal Attempt to Commit Assault in the First Degree (Class 4 Felony)
- Illegal Discharge of a Firearm (Class 5 Felony)
- Menacing (Class 5 Felony)
- Criminal Mischief (Class 6 Felony)
- Prohibited Use of Weapons (Class 1 Misdemeanor)
- Reckless Endangerment (Class 2 Misdemeanor)
Authorities confirmed there is no longer an ongoing threat to the community. The investigation remains active.
* Booking photo will be added when it becomes available.