Suspect In Denver Protest Shooting Not A Licensed Security Guard

A private security guard who was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a protester during a "Patriot Rally" in Denver, Colorado, does not have a license according to Denver's Department of Excise and License. Matthew Robert Dolloff, 30, was hired by a local news station to protect their reporters covering the protest rally on Saturday (October 10). 

During the rally, Dolloff got into an altercation with another man, later identified as Lee Keltner, who slapped him and sprayed him with mace. Dolloff responding by drawing a pistol from his waistband and shooting Keltner. Dolloff was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.

KUSA hired Dolloff using Pinkerton, a private security agency, but later learned that he was not employed by the company. Pinkerton has not provided any information on what company Dolloff worked for.

"We are in the process of still gathering information to better understand the incident that occurred in Denver on October 10 involving a contractor agent," Pinkerton said in a statement. "The agent in question is not a Pinkerton employee. Pinkerton is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities in their investigation of this matter."

Eric Escudero, marketing and communications manager for the city's Department of Excise and Licenses, told the news station that the agency could not find any evidence that Dolloff was licensed as a security guard. Working as a security guard without a license is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $999. Pinkerton could also face disciplinary action for using an unlicensed security guard.

Dolloff is currently being held on suspicion of first-degree murder but has not been formally charged.

Photo: Denver Police Department


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