Moffat County Sheriff's Office

06/14/2026

06/14/2026

An update from Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken.

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COMMUNITY UPDATE: ZACH STRONG

DATE: 06132026

As our small, close-knit community struggles to come to terms with the violent events that occurred on June 8th, 2026, it would be remiss to not recognize the bravery, the kindness, and the support that has accompanied this tragedy.

Our deputies and state troopers acted with incredible bravery, risking their own lives to neutralize the threat before anyone else was harmed. Our dispatchers coordinated a tremendous response in an extremely high-stress scenario, acting decisively to coordinate a multitude of resources. Several residents of Baggs, acting with complete disregard to their own safety, rushed out to render aid to Sergeant Burns after he was fired upon.

Law enforcement officers and first responders from across the region raced to our side, including personnel from the Rawlins Police Department, Wyoming Highway Patrol, Encampment Police Department, Saratoga Police Department, Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office, Routt County Sheriff's Office, Craig Police Department, Moffat County Sheriff's Office, Colorado Highway Patrol, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, FBI, Little Snake River Ambulance, Baggs Fire Department, Intermountain Air Ambulance, and many others.

The support we have received while in Colorado has been nothing short of amazing. Food, lodging, clothing, and companionship has been provided around the clock by the local community and surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Zach and his family remain in our thoughts and prayers as he continues to fight through his injuries.

It is difficult to truly put into words what all this support means to us.

Thank you.

- Alex

06/11/2026

Animal Neglect Case, Bison Seized - Case Update: Daniel Martin has been charged with eighty nine (89) counts of Cruelty to Animals - Neglect / Mistreatment of Bison, Colorad...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMoffat County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Animal Neglect Case; Approximately 90 Bison SeizedCRAIG, Colo.

06/10/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sgt Burns and his family during this time.

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PRESS RELEASE: OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING UPDATE: SERGEANT ZACH BURNS

DATE: 06102026

On Monday, June 8th, 2026, the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office received a call for a man with a gun in Baggs, Wyoming, near the Colorado state line.

Sergeant Zach Burns was in the area and responded immediately. Dispatchers relayed the suspect vehicle information to Sergeant Burns.

Sergeant Burns located the suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop in front of a small apartment complex in Baggs.

Upon coming to a stop, the suspect immediately exited his vehicle and opened fire on Sergeant Burns with a semi-automatic rifle. Sergeant Burns was struck in the neck, arm, and hip.

The suspect proceeded to set fire to the apartment building before getting back in his vehicle and fleeing northbound on Highway 789.

Residents of Baggs immediately rushed to provide aid to Sergeant Burns until EMS crews could arrive, providing cover and emergency wound treatment.

Sergeant Burns was transported via helicopter to a trauma center in Colorado where he remains in critical condition.

The suspect was killed in a shootout with Carbon County Deputies on Highway 789 after fleeing the scene. This investigation is ongoing and being conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.

Our hearts are with Sergeant Burns and his family, as well as all of our deputies, troopers, Baggs residents, and partner agencies who assisted.

Please keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you.

-Alex

*For information regarding this incident, please check this page for updates as they become available.

06/09/2026

🚩🔥 RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT 🔥🚩

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for most of Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM today and again from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Wednesday.

Expected conditions include:
🌬️ Southwest winds of 20–30 mph
💨 Wind gusts of 35–50 mph
🌵 Relative humidity of just 7–12%

⚠️ Outdoor burning is prohibited under Moffat County ordinance. ⚠️

06/09/2026

Moffat County Sheriff's Office Assists with Active Shooter Incident in Baggs, Wyoming - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Moffat County Sheriff's Office Assists with Active Shooter Incident in Baggs, Wyoming CRAIG, COLORADO — On June 9, ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMoffat County Sheriff's Office Assists with Active Shooter Incident in Baggs, WyomingCRAIG, COLORADO — On June 9, 2026, at approximately 1:15 p.m., the Moffat County Sheriff's Office received a request for assistance from...

06/08/2026

Law Enforcement Response in Baggs, WY - For Immediate Release: Colorado Law Enforcement is currently assisting Wyoming authorities in Carbon County, Wyoming, after a critical in...

For Immediate Release:Colorado Law Enforcement is currently assisting Wyoming authorities in Carbon County, Wyoming, after a critical incident. Please avoid travel in this area, as there are several road closures, and a heavy law enforcement

06/08/2026

🚨 Wildfire Response Underway 🚨

Fire crews are currently responding to an active wildfire in the area of County Road 183 and County Road 7.

Personnel from Craig Fire Rescue, U.S. Wildland Fire resources, and the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office Wildland Fire Team are on scene actively working the incident.

For the safety of emergency responders and the public, please avoid the area and do not interfere with firefighting operations. Motorists should expect emergency vehicles and possible delays.

We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

06/08/2026

🚩 MOFFAT WEATHER ALERT – RED FLAG WARNING FOR TODAY, JUNE 8 🚩

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Moffat County today, June 8, until 10:00 PM due to critical fire weather conditions, including strong winds, low humidity, and extremely dry fuels.

🔥 Outdoor burning is NOT permitted under Moffat County Ordinance.