A 35-year-old man is facing attempted murder charges after deputies say he pointed a gun at a family member during a heated dispute at a home in unincorporated Weld County near LaSalle and pulled the trigger several times — but the gun never went off. Joseph Van Hoesen was taken into custody south of the residence without incident, according to authorities, following what they describe as a violent confrontation that also left a woman hospitalized.
According to the Weld County Sheriff's Office, patrol deputies responded to a disturbance-with-weapons call at the residence, where investigators say Van Hoesen is a relative of the two people involved. Deputies determined that Van Hoesen had argued verbally with one of the women, identified by the sheriff's office only as victim one, inside the home before the confrontation escalated. As reported by KDVR, the sheriff's office said he reportedly fired a gun multiple times at the family member, though the gun never went off.
The timeline of the incident is not entirely clear. KDVR reported that the sheriff's office responded around 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 2 to the call near LaSalle, while a separate Weld County Sheriff's Office daily-call log lists an 8:35 a.m. weapons-disturbance call on Oct. 25 in the 21000 block of Weld County Road 39. The discrepancy between the two accounts has not been resolved.
Gun Allegedly Pointed, Trigger Pulled Multiple Times
Investigators say the confrontation began when Van Hoesen wrapped his hands around the woman's neck. He then allegedly pointed a gun at her and pulled the trigger numerous times, but it reportedly did not fire. The sheriff's office said he subsequently pushed her to the ground and tried to shoot her several more times, though the station's report again notes the weapon did not go off.
A second family member, referred to by investigators as victim two, attempted to call law enforcement during the incident. Deputies say Van Hoesen reportedly pointed the gun at that person as well and took the phone from their hands before they could complete the call.
Alleged Struggle Over the Woman's Car
According to the sheriff's office, Van Hoesen allegedly took the woman's purse and cell phone before getting into her car in what authorities described as an attempted theft. The woman got into the vehicle as well, and the two reportedly fought over control of the car before Van Hoesen was unsuccessful in driving off with it, per the media release.
The woman was transported to a local hospital and is recovering from her injuries, according to the sheriff's office. No additional details about her condition have been released.
Seven Charges, Investigation Ongoing
Weld County deputies said they developed probable cause to arrest Van Hoesen on suspicion of offenses in seven categories: attempted first-degree murder after deliberation, two counts of felony menacing involving a real or simulated weapon, third-degree assault, harassment by striking, shoving or kicking, obstruction of telephone service, aggravated robbery involving a real or simulated weapon, and attempted third-degree motor vehicle theft. KDVR's report similarly notes that he was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after deliberation along with felony menacing, aggravated robbery and attempted motor vehicle theft.
The Weld County Sheriff's Office said the investigation remains active and ongoing, and that no further information would be released that day. Authorities emphasized that all charges are merely accusations and that Van Hoesen, like any defendant, is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
