Westminster Police Department

                                                  For Immediate Release

Direct: (303) 658-4288          Dispatch: (303) 658-4360

Prepared by: Sergeant Trevor Materasso

Case Number: 2021-00008

Update: January 4, 2021

 Detectives with the Westminster Police Department have completed much of their investigation into the shooting at the IMT Hyland Hills Apartments which occurred early in the morning on New Year’s Day.

 The investigation discovered the suspect, Ridge Johnaton Mased (DOB: 01/09/89), showed up to a New Year’s Eve party which was shared through SnapChat®.  Mr. Mased was not personally invited and did not know the people hosting the party.  He was asked to leave which eventually led to a disturbance. 

 This disturbance escalated, ultimately resulting in a 17-year old female being shot in the arm/shoulder and a 19-year old male being shot in the leg/s by Mr. Mased.  The male was transported by ambulance and the female walked into an emergency room after getting a ride away from the party.  Both victims have been released from the hospital. 

 Immediately after the shooting, Mr. Mased tried to elude police in his vehicle, but it became high centered on a median.  He ran from the car and broke through a door into an unrelated apartment which was occupied by a 39-year old male and his 28-year old spouse.  Police forced their way into that apartment and took Mr. Mased into custody after a brief struggle.  This is when police discovered Mr. Mased had left the handgun in the car. 

The gun used in this shooting had been previously stolen in Westminster when the owner left it in his vehicle which was broken into.  At this time, police do not know if Mr. Mased was the original suspect who stole the gun or how he came to be in possession of it.  This is a stark reminder that gun owners must be responsible and guns should never be left in cars unless secured in a safe or vault permanently installed and designed to secure firearms. 

 Mr. Mased is being held at the Adams County Detention Facility on the following charges:

• CRS 18-3-102 Murder in the First Degree (2 Counts Criminal Attempt)
• CRS 18-4-202 First Degree Burglary
• CRS 18-3-206 Menacing
• CRS 18-12-107.5 Illegal Discharge of a Firearm
  

Ridge Johnaton Mased (DOB: 01/09/89)

(booking photo not from date of shooting)
 
Police believe alcohol was a contributing factor to this shooting.  Police are not looking for any additional suspects related to this case.  Any questions regarding this press release, please contact Sergeant Trevor Materasso, at 303-658-4288 or tmateras@westminsterco.gov

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Date – January 1, 2021

At 4:31am the Westminster Police Department started receiving multiple 911 calls regarding a shooting that was happening at the IMT Hyland Hills Apartment complex.  Residents were reporting an active shooter who was possibly associated with a gold Honda sedan. 

Officers stopped the Honda and determined it was not related to the suspect.  Additional information was learned that the suspect was leaving in a white sedan.  Officers tried to stop this vehicle as well, but the driver tried to elude officers.  The vehicle became high centered on a median in the apartment complex and the driver ran on foot. 

Multiple people were outside, some hiding, which made the scene chaotic for officers and responding paramedics.  The suspect broke into an unrelated, but occupied apartment, so officers forced their way in to protect those people.  After a struggle, the suspect was taken into custody.  No shots were fired during the fight with the suspect and no officers were injured. 

At the apartment where the shooting occurred, several people carried a male who had been shot in both legs out to officers.  He appeared to have life threatening injuries and was transported by paramedics with the Westminster Fire Department to a trauma center. 

Officers forced their way into that apartment to ensure no additional victims were inside.  Those occupants are being interviewed by detectives at this time.  The victims appear to be related to a New Year’s Eve party that was still going, but it’s unknown if the suspect was at the party or if he knows the victims.    

The Fire Department helped evacuate people until police determined the area was safe.  The Adams County Sheriff’s Department sent deputies to assist as well.  During the investigation, police were notified by an area hospital that an additional victim had walked into the emergency room with a gunshot wounds. 

Police do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public and we are not looking for any additional suspects. 

Any questions regarding this press release, please contact Sergeant Trevor Materasso, at 303-658-4288 or tmateras@westminsterco.gov

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