The adult male has been identified as Carlos Alberto Mendoza, DOB 7/15/1979, through fingerprints.  Mr. Mendoza has a number of alias’ to include the name provided by family of Manuel Martinez Mejia, DOB 7/10/82.  The cause and manner of death are pending toxicology results and will be released by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office.

On July 28, 2015 members of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to an address on Western Drive in Cimarron Hills in regards to a check the welfare. Mr. Mendoza was contacted as a result of that investigation.

At approximately 2:46 p.m., Mr. Mendoza was placed into custody on drug related charges. During his transport to the Criminal Justice Center, Mr. Mendoza manipulated his hands from behind his back to his front.  He was handcuffed the entire time.  Once his hands were in front, Mr. Mendoza produced a handgun.

At approximately 2:55 p.m., the transporting deputy called a “Code 20” (Officer Needs Assistance) in the area of Powers Boulevard and Airport Road in the City of Colorado Springs.

A Unified Incident Command was established with the El Paso County Sheriff’s and the Colorado Springs Police Department.
Negotiators from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Colorado Springs Police Department Tactical Enforcement Unit worked for more than four hours to deescalate the situation.  Mr. Mendoza, who was armed, continued to act erratically and refused repeated requests to comply.

At approximately 7:23 p.m., it was observed that Mr. Mendoza was growing more agitated.  Verbal efforts to deescalate the situation had proven unsuccessful.  A joint decision was made to deploy tear gas in hopes of safely disarming him and removing him safely and unharmed from the patrol vehicle. Mr. Mendoza continued his refusal to comply and a single shot was heard from within the vehicle.

Members of the Colorado Springs Police Department Tactical Enforcement Unit responded quickly and were able to remove Mr. Mendoza from the vehicle.  Mr. Mendoza had suffered a single self inflicted gunshot wound. He was then transported to a local hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries.

Detectives from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Springs Police Department continue the investigation.