Colorado Springs Man Arrested for Second-Degree Murder Following Deadly Roadside Shooting
Colorado Springs Man Arrested for Second-Degree Murder Following Deadly Roadside Shooting
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — A tragic confrontation turned deadly late Thursday night, June 26, as the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) responded to a fatal shooting near the intersection of East Platte Avenue and North Cedar Street. Following an investigation, 31-year-old Howard Heyliger has been arrested and charged with Murder in the Second Degree in connection with the incident.
Timeline of the Incident
At approximately 11:43 p.m., CSPD dispatch received multiple reports of gunfire in the area of East Platte Avenue and North Cedar Street, a busy corridor just east of downtown Colorado Springs. Officers arrived quickly and discovered a chaotic scene involving three vehicles that had pulled over to the side of the road.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a disturbance had occurred between two of the drivers, escalating from a verbal dispute into a physical altercation after all three vehicles came to a stop.
During the altercation, Howard Heyliger, one of the drivers involved, allegedly retrieved a firearm and fired at least one shot, striking another individual. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by responding medical personnel.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the deceased, pending next-of-kin notification.
Suspect Arrested
Howard Heyliger, a Colorado Springs resident, was arrested without incident and transported to the El Paso County Jail, where he now faces a charge of Second-Degree Murder. The weapon believed to have been used in the shooting has been recovered by investigators.
At this time, no additional suspects are being sought, and police have confirmed that this appears to be an isolated incident resulting from an escalated road-rage encounter.
Ongoing Investigation
CSPD’s Violent Crimes Section is leading the ongoing investigation. Detectives are working to piece together the full sequence of events, including reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, conducting witness interviews, and analyzing physical evidence.
Anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident or who may have witnessed the altercation is encouraged to contact CSPD directly.
Tip Line: (719) 444-7000
Anonymous Tips: Can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867) or online at www.crimestop.net
Community Response
The incident has sparked concern in the Colorado Springs community over the recent rise in violent confrontations stemming from everyday disputes. While CSPD continues its work to ensure public safety, city officials and community leaders are urging residents to de-escalate whenever possible and report threatening behavior to authorities.
“This tragic loss of life is a painful reminder of how quickly everyday conflicts can spiral out of control,” said one local neighborhood association representative. “We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and hope justice will be served.”
What’s Next
Howard Heyliger remains in custody as he awaits formal court proceedings. Additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses, depending on findings from ballistic evidence, eyewitness accounts, and forensic analysis.
The Colorado Springs Police Department will provide updates as more information becomes available. This remains a developing case.
