Off-Duty CO Firefighter Shot after Defending Homeless Man

Police are searching for a man accused of shooting an off-duty Colorado firefighter who was preventing a homeless man from being harassed.

The incident happened just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday in Pueblo, according to police. An off-duty Pueblo firefighter witnessed a homeless man experience an apparent mental health issue and being harassed by at least one other person. 

The firefighter intervened to help the homeless man and those harassing the man left the area. A short time later, several shots were fired from a car parked outside a nearby establishment, and the firefighter was struck once in the leg.

Once police reached the scene, they found the wounded firefighter. He was taken to the hospital with injuries that weren't considered life-threatening. 

Detectives identified Esteban Gallegos, 41, as the alleged shooter and that a 1990s Buick vehicle was used in the incident. An arrest warrant was issued for Gallegos, and it includes a count of first degree assault and eight counts of attempted first degree murder, according to police.

Anyone with information about the shooting should contact police at (719) 320-6037. They also can contact Pueblo Crime Stoppers at (719) 542-STOP or www.pueblocrimestoppers.com. to remain anonymous.