WHEAT RIDGE, CO- A tragic homicide took place in the Wheat Ridge area on Wednesday morning. The victim is the owner of an antique store that this writer knew as a passing customer to the business.
Police were called to a business at 38th Avenue and Teller Street in Wheat Ridge. There they found the victim, Peter Damien Arguello, deceased in the parking lot behind his business.
Arguello was the owner of Peter Damien Fine Jewelry and Antiques and was identified as Wheat Ridge Police by friends and fellow employees. It is believed, according to investigators, that robbery was the motive for the tragic circumstances.
Arguello died of multiple gunshot wounds.
Authorities were called approximately at 11:15 a.m. Upon arrival, Wheat Ridge PD noticed signs of gunshots within the establishment.
Arguello was known in the area by many in the business community and was well respected. This writer met him while going through the gentleman's store. He was very friendly, and he knew his craft.
An owner of a local business, Mr. Biscuits Bakery, which is just a couple of units down from the antique store, described Arguello as a “friendly gentleman that everyone loved.”
Dan Haruda, a retired firefighter who worked in the area, spoke of Arguello with CBS Colorado, saying, “He would give you the shirt off his back. Just a super nice guy, and he had such a neat little business here. Basically an eBay business with a storefront. He had very unique items. A simple man like me, if I could just find my way to be as solid and steady as Pete.”
He went on to describe Arguello as someone who loved his family. "He was always very proud of the time he spent with his kids and his wife," he said.
There is little information about the suspect at this time, but a description was provided of the vehicle and authorities have asked the public to be on the lookout for it.
“We believe it is a red 2003-2007 Chevy Silverado," a press release read. "If you see this vehicle, please call 911. Anyone with information, images, or video that can help our investigation, reach out to Detective Mark Slavsky at (303) 235-2807 or email mslavsky@ci.Wheatridge.co.us.”
They went on to state that there was no danger to the public. A couple of schools are near the business, but there were no lockdowns put into place.
Video cameras picked up images of the vehicle in question.
Flowers and mementos have been placed in memorial at the business.
Comments