Deputy shot in robbery ID'd as Jose Marquez

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said the off-duty deputy shot during a robbery on Tuesday night is Jose Marquez.

Marquez is still in intensive care, but the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said Marquez is doing very good.

"He had a second surgery on Wednesday and came out of it in flying colors," said Mark Techmeyer, spokesman for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

"Though he was shot several times & is in ICU, his prognosis for recovery is good & for that we are incredibly grateful," the sheriff's office tweeted Wednesday.

Marquez has been a certified peace officer since 1995 and has served with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for more than a decade.

Marquez was in the parking lot of his girlfriend's condo in Aurora around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday when he was shot.

His girlfriend, who we are only identifying by her first name, Lisa, said she was making dinner for her kids when they heard the gunshots.

"My kids and I all ran out as fast as possible and then the cops were here," Lisa said.

Another resident said neighbors were rushing to help while the suspects were still firing.

"Even though he [one of the robbers] was still shooting, there were still people coming out to assist," said resident Kenneth Mitchell.

"[The deputy] immediately started screaming, 'I'm an officer! I'm off duty, someone please help,'" said Mitchell. "By the third shot, he had that out and you could hear as he was screaming more and more that he was in pain."

"[He is] absolutely the most kind-hearted, biggest-hearted, caring, loving person ever. Very protective," Lisa said. "He would do anything for anybody, whether the knows them or now. Absolutely."

Police said this started as a random robbery involving two suspects.

The deputy was able to fire back after he was shot and police say he hit a juvenile suspect in the leg. That suspect is in custody.

The second suspect got away. Metro Denver Crime Stoppers, the Jefferson Co. Sheriffs Dept. and Aurora Police have contributed to offer a $6,000 reward to help catch the second suspect.