by Benjamin Mandile

TRINIDAD —  Las Animas County Sheriff’s arrested a Trinidad man for attempted first-degree murder after he called Trinidad Dispatch Center claiming his brother broke into his residence. 

LASCO arrested Michael Wayne Ober, age 34, Saturday, July 5, on one count of attempted first-degree murder after responding to a call for service from the defendant in the 29000 block of LA C.R. 16 in Trinidad, according to an affidavit for a warrantless arrest filed in Las Animas County District Court. 

A neighbor of Ober’s reportedly called 911 a short time later stating they had heard two gunshots and a woman screaming, police said in the filing. 

Police claim that Ober shot at his brother’s girlfriend after the girlfriend and the defendant’s brother arrived on the property with food for Ober. 

Police said that the victim, Ober’s brother’s girlfriend, told them that Ober claimed they were impersonators and she told Ober’s brother they should leave because she did not feel safe. 

The victim had been sitting in the truck when she heard a shotgun go off, and she turned to see Ober shooting at the truck. Police recovered a shotgun shell and saw shotgun damage to the truck, according to court record. 

The victim told police she fled the truck screaming. Once the victim and Ober’s brother were fleeing the property, Ober reportedly shot at the truck a second time, police said in the filing. 

Ober remained at the Las Animas County Detention Center Wednesday, July 16, on a $100,000 bond. Police said in the filing that he has a history of mental health issues. 

Ober was due in Las Animas County District Court Wednesday for a return filing of charges where prosecutors file formal charges.