On Saturday, December 2, 2017, at approximately 6:00 PM, Colorado Springs Police Officers attempted to take a man into custody on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for Theft, near the intersection of South Nevada Avenue and East Navajo Street.  The suspect actively resisted the officers and began fighting with them.  The suspect brandished a handgun at the officers and was shot.  The suspect was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.  The handgun the suspect produced was later identified as a Umarex Colt Defender CO2 powered BB pistol. 

The El Paso County Coroner has positively identified the suspect as Christopher Louis Willard, DOB 11/7/84. 

The Sheriff’s Office has also confirmed body worn camera footage has been retrieved, preserved and is being reviewed as part of the investigation. 

A mugshot of Mr. Willard is attached to this Media Release.  The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigative agency for this incident. This is an ongoing investigation and information will be released as the investigation allows.