On October 3, 2021, at approximately 3:50 PM, a Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) officer was working an extra duty assignment at a store located in the 3200 block of East Platte Avenue. 

The CSPD officer attempted to contact a shoplifting suspect as the suspect was departing the store. 

The adult male suspect fled the scene and ran through the parking lot of the store. The CSPD officer ran after the suspect while giving verbal commands to stop. The suspect hid behind a car in a business located near the intersection of Pine Tree Street and Chelton Road.

The CSPD officer located the suspect and provided the suspect with verbal commands. The suspect did not comply. The CSPD officer deployed a taser at the suspect. The suspect reached for a firearm and discharged it at least one time. In a response to this action, the CSPD officer drew his duty weapon (a handgun) and fired at least one round striking the suspect.

The CSPD officer as well as responding officers provided medical aid to the suspect until medical personnel arrived. The suspect was subsequently transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. Later, the suspect succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. 

The officer involved is uninjured and has been placed on routine administrative leave in accordance with CSPD policy. There is no known threat to the community regarding this incident.  

In accordance with Colorado Revised Statute 16-2.5-301, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigative agency for this officer involved shooting. This is an ongoing investigation and information will be released as the investigation allows.