Suspect in Denver protest shooting did not have an active security guard license, city official says

October 12, 2020 8:49 AM

CNN,

Posted: October 12, 2020 8:49 AM

by CNN

The man arrested Saturday in connection with the deadly shooting at a protest in Denver is not licensed to be a security guard despite being identified as one, according to Eric Escudero, spokesperson for the city’s Department of Excise and Licenses.

Matthew Dolloff, 30, was initially identified as a private security guard who was contracted through Pinkerton by CNN affiliate KUSA-TV to accompany staff at protests, the station said in a statement.

Dolloff is being held for investigation of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting, according to police.

“We searched our records and there is no record for an active security guard now or ever for an individual named Matthew Doloff or Dolloff,” Escudero said in response to a CNN inquiry. He said no other city agency licenses security guards.

If Dolloff was operating without a license, he could be fined up to $999 or face up to a year in jail, Escudero said. The company that hired Dolloff could also face administrative action if this were the case, according to Escudero.

Escudero said that while three cities in Colorado, including Denver, require a license to operate as a security guard, there is no state license for security guards.

CNN has reached out to Pinkerton for comment. CNN has also been unable to find out whether Dolloff has an attorney.

The shooting occurred in an area near a planned police support rally and counterprotest, Denver Police Public Information Officer Ana Munoz told CNN Saturday.

Officers on the scene rendered aid to the victim, who was transported to a hospital where the victim was later pronounced dead, Investigations Division Chief Joe Montoya said during a news conference Saturday.

A verbal altercation occurred before the shooting and two guns and a can of Mace were recovered at the scene, Montoya said.