On Thursday, April 22, 2021, at approximately 6:30 AM, officers with the Colorado Springs Police Department were working a stolen car detail in the 500 block of Garden of the Gods Road.
 
They located a vehicle in the parking lot of the Quality Inn with no license plate and attempted to make contact with the suspect who exited the vehicle with what appeared to be an AR-15 pointed at his chin.  The suspect began walking towards the Phillips 66 gas station and was given verbal commands to put the weapon down. The suspect did not comply. 
 
The suspect began to approach a citizen who was pumping gas, more verbal commands were given and the suspect still refused to comply.  One officer deployed his Taser which was ineffective.  Another officer fired at least one round and the suspect was hit at least one time.  
 
The suspect was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The identity of the suspect will not be released until positive identification has been made by the Coroner's Office and the next of kin has been notified.  
 
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. 
 
The involved officer was not injured and has been placed on administrative leave per their policy. Information regarding the law enforcement officer involved in this incident will come from the Colorado Springs Police Department.

This was an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public.
 
All information regarding this investigation will come from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer.