AURORA, Colo. (KMGH) – The co-owner of a Colorado auto shop was shot in the face after he refused service to a customer demanding immediate work on his car, according to recently-released probable cause affidavit.
Chase McMinn, 40, remains hospitalized after he was allegedly shot by a customer of Shaus Motorsports in Aurora, Colorado on Sept. 5. The customer, identified as 34-year-old Michael Taylor, was arrested and is facing a charge of first-degree murder.
Taylor was known to staff at the shop as demanding and belligerent and was refused service the day McMinn was shot, the affidavit read. Family says the victim continues to fight for his life but he is improving.
According to the affidavit, Taylor called the shop earlier in the day demanding work be done on his vehicle’s spark plugs but when he was declined, he showed up in person with an “extremely” pregnant woman, the affidavit read. Once inside, Taylor allegedly began verbally assaulting staff, calling one employee a “f—ing b—ch.”
Overhearing the argument from the work bay, McMinn entered the office just as Taylor was allegedly physically threatening an employee. McMinn, in an attempt to protect his employees, removed a knife from the drawer and stuck the point into the countertop directly in front of Taylor, the affidavit read.
This action allegedly provoked Taylor to pull out a handgun and fire a round at McMinn. According to the affidavit, the victim immediately fell to the floor while Taylor took off, pushing the pregnant woman out of the way. Police eventually caught up with the suspect who is currently in the Arapahoe County Jail.
McMinn’s family says the victim remains in critical condition. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the single father and his family.
