On January 19, 2022, at approximately 11:53 p.m., Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) officers were on patrol and parked in the area of the 4700 block of Harrier Ridge Drive. As they were parked, they heard what sounded like a bullet passing their vehicles.
The CSPD officers advised dispatch and started to check the area. As they were checking the area, they observed a gray SUV (sport utility vehicle) parked in the middle of the road at Sunnyhill Drive and Foxridge Drive. The SUV then left the area at a high rate of speed.
The officers located the vehicle again as it was speeding westbound down Drennan Road. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle continued down Drennan Road then turned onto Patrick Drive and into the Colony Hills Apartments. They lost sight of the vehicle, circled around the neighborhood returned to the apartment complex where they encountered a male who matched the driver's description on foot.
The suspect saw the officers and took off running. The officers began checking the building and one officer arrived at one of the common areas where he located the suspect. The suspect pointed a weapon at the officer. In response, the CSPD officer fired at least one round at the suspect.
The CSPD officers apprehended the suspect, rendered aid, and transported him to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. The suspect has been identified as Austin Hood, date of birth, 12/3/1988. Hood has been booked into the El Paso County Jail on the following charges, First Degree Assault on a Peace Officer, Felony Menacing, and Possession of a Weapon by Previous Offender, and Parole Violation. Hood's mugshot is attached to this media release.
No other community members, or officers were injured in this incident. One officer involved in this incident has been placed on administrative leave per CSPD’s policy.
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 appropriate. All updates, with the exception of naming the involved officer, will come from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Public Information Office.
