Two separate incidents of violence one involving gunfire, the other a dog attack occurred in Towaoc Monday, according to tribal police. A domestic-violence dispute resulted in gunfire, a short standoff, and an arrest. A few hours later, three loose dogs mauled a child walking down Chief Ignacio Street, Ute Mountain Ute police reported Wednesday. Dutchie then returned to his residence on Mountain Sage Road, and police shortly arrived after a neighbor complained. They were allowed entrance into the home by family members at the scene, and Dutchie was arrested a short time later, according to Ute Police Lt.
Any time there is gunfire reported, it is a tense situation.
Alcohol was a factor in the incident, police said. Dutchie was charged by Bureau of Indian Affairs police with violating probation and tampering with physical evidence for hiding the weapon after the shooting, Whiting said. He said a search of the home resulted in the seizure of three rifles and a bullet-proof vest. Under the reservation justice system, the results of felony crime investigations are submitted to the U.S. District Attorney s office, which then decides on prosecution. The juvenile victim was treated by EMTs and was reportedly transported to Southwest Memorial.