GUN-TOTING MAN ACCUSED OF ATTEMPED MURDER IN VIOLENT FAMILY FREE-FOR-ALL IN WELD COUNTY

Gun-wielding Joseph Van Hoesen, 35, was arrested on charges of attempted murder and assault in a free-for-all involving two relatives at a home near LaSalle, the Weld County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday. The suspect is - among other things - accused of pointing the gun and pulling the trigger "numerous times" on Sunday morning - though the weapon failed to fire, the sheriff's office said. A statement identified the relatives as "victim one" and "victim two" and said victim one was injured and admitted to hospital. The statement also said: "Deputies learned Van Hoesen got into a verbal argument inside the residence with victim one" and "wrapped his hands around victim one’s neck. "Victim one and Van Hoesan continued arguing and he pulled out a gun and pointed it at victim one and reportedly pulled the trigger numerous times, but the gun did not fire. Victim two was attempting to call law enforcement until Van Hoesen reportedly pointed the gun at victim two and took the phone out of victim two’s hands. "Van Hoesen then reportedly pushed victim one to the ground and allegedly pointed the gun at victim one, again, and pulled the trigger numerous times, but the gun did not fire. Van Hoesen allegedly took victim one’s purse and cell phone and walked out of the house and got into victim one’s car. "Victim one also got into her car with Van Hoesen, and they began fighting over control of the car. Van Hoesen allegedly tried to take the car but was unsuccessful. Van Hoesen got out of the car and walked south of the residence, where he was ultimately taken into custody by patrol deputies." In addition to attempted murder and assault, the suspect faces a variety of other charges including attempting to steal an auto. [Photo: Weld County Sheriff]