A small Colorado town is grappling with shock and disbelief after a 13-year-old boy was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder — a crime that’s left residents asking, how did this happen here?

A Quiet Neighborhood, A Sudden Shooting

It was just past sunset on July 9 when Montrose Police were called to the 200 block of Howard Fork Avenue. Officers found a 46-year-old woman suffering from serious gunshot wounds. She was rushed to Montrose Regional Hospital.

The suspect? Barely a teenager.

“This is not normally the type of incident we see in our community,” said Paul Eller, public information officer for Montrose Police. His tone says it all — disbelief mixed with a quiet urgency to reassure neighbors that they’re safe.

A Crime Rarely Seen In Montrose

Montrose isn’t known for violent crime. In fact, data from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation shows the town’s violent crime rates have historically been well below the state average.

But this incident has rattled people. A child with an attempted murder charge is rare anywhere — but in a tight-knit community like Montrose, it’s nearly unheard of.

Quick Work by Local Police

Police credit quick action for preventing further danger. Officers and detectives identified the boy fast. He’s now in custody at the Gand Mesa Youth Detention Facility.

Eller stressed there’s no ongoing threat, adding, “Our investigations and patrol division did an excellent job.”

What We Know About The Charges

The 13-year-old faces two major charges:

• First-degree attempted murder

• First-degree assault

Both are serious felonies under Colorado law, even for a juvenile. If convicted, the teen could face years in detention and possibly adult sentencing if the courts decide to charge him as an adult.

What Happens Next?

So what’s next? Well, Colorado law allows prosecutors to petition the court to transfer juvenile cases to adult court in cases of severe crimes like attempted murder.

But that’s not guaranteed. Prosecutors and the judge will weigh the boy’s age, mental capacity, family situation, and the nature of the offense.

It’s a complex legal road — but one thing’s certain: the victim’s recovery and the suspect’s age make this a case the Montrose community won’t forget anytime soon.

A Town Grapples with Tough Questions

Incidents like this bring up tough questions for families, teachers, and law enforcement. How does a kid get a gun? Was there a history of problems at home or in school? Did anyone see warning signs?

Data from the Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center suggests that many youth violence incidents involve clear red flags — bullying, social isolation, family conflict, or mental health issues that go untreated.

A Reminder For Parents And Neighbors

Paul Eller urged families to stay engaged with their kids’ lives, friends, and emotional health.

“Check in. Listen. Don’t assume everything’s fine just because it looks quiet on the outside,” one local counselor shared. “Kids need connection and guidance — and sometimes they don’t know how to ask for help.”