Deputies arrived to a locked house with closed windows. When they tried to force entry, Fernandez “threatened to harm officers and/or himself and indicated he had untreated PTSD,” the news release states. He also told officers that he had multiple weapons in the home.
Fort Carson officials thanked the police for their role in the incident and confirmed Fernandez’s duty status, saying he’d been declared absent without leave March 14. The sheriff’s office put out a missing persons report on him the next day.
A Fort Carson spokeswoman did not respond to questions regarding post-traumatic stress claims.
The soldier’s deployment history was not provided. He has earned the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, according to personnel records provided by the installation, along with three Army Commendation Medals and multiple other decorations over more than 16 years in uniform.
Fernandez may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of his arrest, the release states. He was charged with prohibited use of a weapon and reckless endangerment, with an initial court appearance set for Tuesday afternoon.
