A Weld County deputy who shot a suspect in late October was cleared by the Weld County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday following an investigation into the incident.

Weld County District Attorney Michael Rourke issued a letter and report involving the shooting to Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams Tuesday, stating that Deputy Brian Hammond, who shot his gun, was justified in doing so. 

The suspect, 18-year-old Joe Sanchez, was arrested on menacing and firearm charges following the shooting and his release from the hospital, according to previous Denver Gazette reporting.

The Weld County District Attorney’s Office declined to release further information about the investigation and its decision because of a pending prosecution of Sanchez, the office’s news release said. 

Sheriff’s deputies responded to the incident, a disturbance call near the 200 block of 2nd Avenue Lane in unincorporated Weld County near Greeley, just after midnight on Oct. 27. 

When deputies arrived, they found Sanchez armed. Sanchez allegedly opened fire while deputies were on scene, according to previous Denver Gazette reporting.

The Weld County deputy fired back at Sanchez, hitting him twice. Sanchez was taken to the hospital, then booked into Weld County Jail with charges for felony menacing, unlawfully aiming a firearm at another, recklessly discharging a firearm, reckless endangerment and violation of a protection order. 

The deputy was place on paid administrative leave during the investigation.