Grand County Sheriff Brett Schroetlin and three of his deputies are on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into the shooting of a knife-wielding burglary suspect early Tuesday morning in Tabernash.

The suspect, Connor James MacLaird, 20, was transported to St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood by helicopter and is expected to survive his injuries.

According to a press release from Moffat County Sheriff KC Hume, “MacLaird was shot multiple times, after advancing on officers while brandishing a knife.”

Hume is acting as a press liaison for the 14th Judicial District’s Critical Incident Team, which was called in to handle the investigation by the Grand County Sheriff’s Office.

As stated in the press release, the shooting took place near Snooty Coyote Liquors, where officers had responded to a report of a burglary in process.

Schroetlin was requested to respond to the scene and assist in finding the suspect with his police dog.

Officers located MacLaird but he refused to drop the knife he was brandishing and continued to approach the sheriff and his deputies. Schroetlin fired on MacLaird.

Law enforcement on the scene provided first aid to MacLaird before Grand County Emergency Medical Services arrived. A police officer from the Fraser/Winter Park Police Department was also involved in the encounter.

MacLaird has not been charged and is not currently under arrest, Hume said.

Undersheriff Wayne Schaffer has assumed responsibilities as acting sheriff while the 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office conducts its investigation.

Hume said Schroetlin taking leave and while the Critical Incident Team investigates the incident is standard procedure seen after any officer-involved shooting.

Reach Patrick Kelly at 970-875-1795 or pkelly@craigdailypress.com. Follow him on Twitter @M_PKelly.