A former Boulder County deputy, Tyler Boyd Reilly, was arrested Sept. 28 after investigators say he fired an AR-15–style rifle at the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and at police vehicles at the Broomfield Police Department. The episode began after a midnight call reporting anxiety and threats; authorities tracked his vehicle on State Highway 287 and detained him outside sheriff’s headquarters. No one was injured and no officers returned fire; deputies credit communication and tactical positioning for a peaceful surrender. Reilly faces multiple felony charges and the investigation is ongoing.
Former Boulder County Deputy Arrested After AR-15 Shots Fired at Sheriff’s Office and Police Vehicles
Image Credit: Boulder County Sheriff's Office
A former Boulder County deputy, identified as 40-year-old Tyler Boyd Reilly, was arrested Sept. 28 after investigators say he fired an AR-15–style rifle at the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and at police vehicles parked at the Broomfield Police Department.
Officials say the incident began shortly after midnight when a man phoned the sheriff’s office at 12:02 a.m., reporting anxiety. Minutes later the same caller made threats directed at Boulder County Sheriff’s Office facilities. Detectives determined the calls came from Reilly and began searching for his vehicle, which they tracked north on State Highway 287.
At about 1:08 a.m., a Boulder County sheriff’s sergeant observed Reilly outside the front entrance of the sheriff’s headquarters. Authorities say Reilly was armed with an AR-15–style rifle and fired rounds toward the building’s entry area; no one inside the facility was struck and Reilly did not gain access to the interior.
Investigators also concluded Reilly fired multiple rounds at police vehicles at the Broomfield Police Department during the same episode. Despite the gunfire, no law enforcement officers discharged their weapons in either incident.
Sheriff Curtis Johnson said deputies used communication, patience and tactical positioning to secure Reilly’s surrender without anyone suffering serious injury.
Reilly served with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office from 2012 until May 2024, when he resigned in lieu of termination for cause. During his tenure he worked in both the jail and patrol divisions.
Charges and Next Steps
Reilly was booked into the Boulder County Jail and faces multiple charges from both agencies. From the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office case, charges include attempted first-degree burglary; felony menacing with a deadly weapon; criminal mischief; attempted first-degree criminal trespass; prohibited use of weapons; resisting officers; reckless endangerment; and obstructing governmental operations. From the Broomfield Police Department case, he faces felony criminal mischief (estimated damage between $100,000 and $1 million), second-degree criminal trespass, reckless endangerment, and obstructing governmental operations. Authorities later added a charge of second-degree assault on a peace officer causing bodily injury.
Officials cautioned that charges may change as the investigation continues and did not immediately provide information about bond. No injuries have been reported in connection with either incident. Reilly is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation remains active as local authorities review evidence and interview witnesses.
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