On Monday, May 24, 2021, at approximately 3:30 PM, Fountain Police Department (FPD) officers and a deputy from the El Paso County Sherriff’s Office (EPSO), came in contact with an armed individual at the Willow Springs Ponds in Fountain, Colorado 80817. The park was evacuated and containment was set up.

Once that occurred, members from the EPSO’s Tactical Support Unit arrived to help. The unit is made up of the SWAT Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, Tactical Emergency Medical Service (TEMS), and K-9 Team. They then began negotiating with the male suspect. The negations went on for several hours. During the negotiations, numerous attempts to deescalate were attempted. These included talking with the male and the use of less-lethal tools.

At one point during the incident, a deputy from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office fired his duty weapon at least one time, striking the adult male suspect at least once. Medical personal from TEMS immediately started life-saving measures and the suspect was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. No officers were injured in this incident.

The deputy involved in this incident is Deputy Christopher Donatell. Deputy Donatell has been employed with the Sheriff's Office since May of 2006 and is assigned to the Patrol Division. He was placed on administrative leave in accordance with our policy and has returned to duty.

In accordance with Colorado Revised Statute 16-2.5-301, the Colorado Springs Police Department is the lead investigative agency for this officer-involved shooting. This is an ongoing investigation and information will be released as appropriate.