In Colorado, a shocking incident involving a town council member and a 17-year-old boy has reignited the contentious debate on gun violence.
At a Glance
- A 17-year-old boy was shot in the face after trespassing on private property in Conifer to find a location for homecoming photos.
- The shooter, Brent Metz, a member of the Mountain View Town Council, was arrested.
- They were writing a note to the homeowner when Metz drove up, got out of his truck, and shot at them through the car’s windshield.
- The teen was still hospitalized as of Wednesday.
- Metz has served on the Mountain View Town Council for three years and is a co-owner of the property near Conifer.
A Tragic Incident Sparks Outrage
On Tuesday afternoon, near Conifer, Colorado, a 17-year-old boy was shot in the face by Brent Metz, a member of the Mountain View Town Council. The boy and a friend had driven to the property, parked at the gate, jumped the fence, and walked up the driveway in an attempt to speak with the homeowner about taking homecoming photos. However, events took a darker turn when Metz drove up and fired at the teens through the windshield of their car, seriously injuring the 17-year-old.
The shooting occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the 23000 block of Pleasant Park Road. The homeowner, who was not present at the time, had seen the trespassers through a security system and had alerted her boyfriend, Metz, to the situation. Upon arrival, Metz reportedly fired at the teens, struck one in the face, and then tried to assist after realizing the gravity of his actions. Metz could be heard saying, “Oh (expletive), my gun went off,” according to the Denver Post.
Legal Ramifications for Metz
The altercation has left Brent Metz facing multiple felony charges, including first-degree assault, felony menacing, illegal discharge of a firearm, and reckless endangerment. The gun used in the shooting was found in Metz’s truck, further solidifying the gravity of the situation. Supportive of Metz’s claim that the shooting was accidental, the teen told deputies he didn’t believe Metz shot him intentionally. Officers report that Metz tried to help the wounded teen but was pushed away by the 15-year-old friend who accompanied the victim.
Community and Political Responses
The Sheriff’s Office has declared that the teenagers will not face trespassing charges since they showed no malicious intent. “These kids were no longer on the property by the time the homeowner arrived,” said Jacki Kelley, Public Information Officer for the Sheriff’s Office. While the Mayor of Mountain View has refrained from commenting on the matter, the incident has prompted broader discussions about the responsibilities and accountability of public officials.
Calls for Systemic Reform
Brent Metz, who was sworn into the Mountain View Town Council last year, now faces the repercussions of his actions. Metz’s future in public office remains uncertain as he awaits his court appearance, scheduled for Monday. This case underscores an alarming need for systemic reform and a fresh look at the responsibilities borne by public officials. The continued hospitalization of the 17-year-old boy and his unresolved medical condition further amplify the community’s calls for justice and change.
