On Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at about 0721 hours, the CSPD Communications Center received a 911 call indicating that a subject was in the area of Delta Drive and San Marcos Drive in the Sand Creek Division.  The caller indicated that the subject, a 25 year old white male, was walking in the area and was holding a handgun in one hand and an alcoholic beverage in the other.  Sand Creek Officers were dispatched and, upon arriving in the area, contacted this party.

During the contact, the subject pointed his weapon at the officer.  The officer gave verbal commands for the subject to drop the weapon, which were not followed and the officer discharged his firearm striking the subject.  He was subsequently transported to Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries.

On Thursday, June 23, 2016, the El Paso County Coroner’s Office completed an autopsy and has ruled the manner of death, in the Colorado Springs Police Department Officer Involved Shooting a homicide. The cause of death was due to a gunshot wound. The male has been identified as Josiah Williams, DOB: 02/25/91.

For purposes of clarification, the El Paso County Coroner’s Office will rule a death a homicide anytime a person dies as the result of the actions of another person, i.e. “the killing of a human being by another human being.”  Any determinations related to the justification of the shooting are made by the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office based on investigative findings. 

A further review of the video evidence collected shows the subject firing his weapon at the officer, prior to the officer firing at the subject. The investigation is ongoing and updates will be given when additional information is available.