Man charged with felony menacing in KP Pawn shooting

The Durango Police Department responded to KP Pawn & Sales at 495 East College Drive about 9:45 a.m. July 29 for a report of shots fired. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)

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The Durango Police Department responded to KP Pawn & Sales at 495 East College Drive about 9:45 a.m. July 29 for a report of shots fired. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)

A man who was shot twice last month at KP Pawn in Durango has been charged with felony menacing and reckless endangerment, according to the Durango Police Department.

Tucker Lee Haught, who arrived in Durango from out-of-state the day before the shooting, is suspected of entering the pawn shop about 9:45 a.m. July 29 while experiencing suicidal ideations, said Police Chief Brice Current.

“(Haught) entered the pawn shop with ammunition in his possession, requested to see a firearm, loaded it and attempted suicide,” Current said. One employee reportedly called 911 while another employee attempted to contain and de-escalate the situation, and also drew his firearm, Current said.

Current said surveillance footage from the incident showed Haught discharging one round, believed to be accidental, into the floor in the direction of a store employee. Haught then began to reload the weapon once more.

One of the employees, “recognizing the imminent threat to life,” fired his weapon, hitting Haught twice, which left him in critical condition, Current said.

Officers entered the store while shots were being fired, but no police weapons were discharged, he said. Emergency medical aid was provided to Haught on scene, including a chest seal and tourniquet, until Durango Fire Protection District personnel arrived and took over care, Current said.

Haught was taken to a local hospital, and later flown to a Level 1 trauma center, where he survived his injuries, Current said. Haught was shot twice. His condition and the location of his wounds were not immediately known Tuesday.

The KP Pawn employee fired his weapon in self-defense, Current said.

“The Durango Police Department commends the courage, quick thinking and decisive action taken by store employees, responding officers and medical personnel, which prevented further harm to the public,” Current said. “While incidents of this nature are rare in Durango, they highlight the importance of vigilance, preparedness and strong community partnerships in maintaining public safety.”

The charges filed against Haught were for entering the pawn shop with ammunition, asking to handle a gun, loading it and firing it, Current said.

Haught had previously been reported missing and was experiencing a mental health crisis shortly before the incident occurred, Current said. He reportedly abandoned his car in a neighboring state, and was being provided temporary lodging by a local resident.

Current did not have information on whether Haught is receiving mental health treatment.

Current urged those experiencing a mental health crisis to call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or contact local mental health resources for support.

The police department had been investigating the case and waiting to interview all parties involved, which is why it took two weeks to release details and file charges, Current said.

“Sometimes – because of injury or other reasons – interviews take a long time,” Current said. “We wanted to make sure we interviewed every single person (involved) and produced the best investigation possible before we released that information, because a lot of times, that information can affect the investigation.”

epond@durangoherald.com