Suspect dead in Southwest Colorado standoff
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Updated: 5:11 PM Aug 25, 2009
Suspect dead in Southwest Colorado standoff
Colorado authorities say a suspected robber in a 17-hour standoff during which a sheriff's deputy suffered a minor gunshot wound has been found dead in his home in Cortez in Southwest Colorado.
Posted: 1:42 PM Aug 25, 2009
Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: tips@nbc11news.com
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Cortez, Colo. (AP) - Colorado authorities say a suspected robber in a 17-hour standoff during which a sheriff's deputy suffered a minor gunshot wound has been found dead in his home in Cortez in Southwest Colorado.

The Montezuma County Sheriff's Department has identified the suspect as 53-year-old Joseph Karjanik. Sheriff Gerald Wallace says Karjanik was found dead when officers entered his house at about 12:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Wallace declined to speculate how Karjanik died. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has taken over the scene.

Wallace says a deputy's arm was grazed by a bullet when Karjanik fired on deputies early Tuesday morning. The deputy was treated and released from the hospital.

Authorities say the standoff started Monday night when deputies tried to serve warrants on Karjanik following a holdup at an area liquor store.
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