Employee Shoots Armed Man In Self-Defense During Pawn Shop Scare

A man who attempted to harm himself at a Durango pawn shop is now facing serious charges after being shot by an employee during a chaotic confrontation.

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DURANGO, CO (3-minute read) — A recent incident at KP Pawn in Durango has led to felony charges against a man who was shot after entering the store in the midst of a mental health crisis.

Tucker Lee Haught, who had just arrived in Colorado from out-of-state on July 28, walked into KP Pawn the following morning around 9:45 a.m. carrying ammunition. According to Durango Police Chief Brice Current, Haught requested to see a firearm, then proceeded to load it, with the alleged goal of suicide.

Armed Encounter at KP Pawn Results in Self-Defense Shooting

While one employee immediately called 911, another attempted to manage the escalating situation and drew his own firearm in response to the danger. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Haught discharging a round into the floor, believed to be accidental but in the direction of an employee, before beginning to reload the firearm.

Recognizing the threat, the armed employee fired his firearm, hitting Haught twice. Officers arrived as the shots were fired, though none discharged their firearms. On-scene responders provided emergency aid, including applying a chest seal and tourniquet, before handing off care to the Durango Fire Protection District.

Haught was transported to a local hospital and then flown to a Level 1 trauma center. Though critically injured, he survived. Police have not disclosed the exact nature or location of his injuries.

Following the incident, Haught has been charged with felony menacing and reckless endangerment. Chief Current confirmed the KP Pawn employee acted lawfully in self-defense and praised all involved for their decisive and professional actions that prevented further harm.

Investigators delayed the public release of the details while ensuring thorough interviews were conducted with all involved, including the injured suspect.

Haught was reported missing prior to the incident and had been provided temporary lodging in Durango. Police believe he was experiencing a severe mental health crisis at the time. He had reportedly abandoned his vehicle in a neighboring state before arriving in Colorado.

Police urge anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health issues to seek help immediately by calling or texting 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Safety Tip: If you are a gun owner in a retail setting, always have a plan for handling crisis situations. Secure firearms are not just a theft concern; they are a safety priority. Staff should receive regular training on de-escalation, defensive firearm use, and emergency procedures.