Street map of Balfour and Bijou

Suspect Identified, Officer-Involved Shooting on Balfour Avenue Under Investigation

On February 2, 2026, at approximately 1:30 PM, officers with the Colorado Springs Police Department Tactical Enforcement Unit and the Colorado Parole Fugitive Apprehension Unit were conducting a joint operation in the area of Bijou Street and Balfour Avenue.

After the operation concluded, CSPD officers attempted to make contact with an unknown, unrelated adult male who was acting suspiciously. The male fled from officers and, while fleeing, produced a handgun.

The suspect then fired at officers, striking one officer.

Two CSPD officers returned fire, each firing at least one round and striking the suspect.

Emergency medical aid was immediately rendered to both the injured officer and the suspect. Both were transported to a local area hospital. The officer sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Michael Foster, remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Criminal charges are pending.

Investigators recovered at least one firearm at the scene.

In accordance with established protocol, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has assumed responsibility for the Officer-Involved Shooting investigation as part of the Deadly Force Investigation Team (DFIT).

The officers involved have been placed on routine administrative leave in accordance with CSPD’s policy.

This remains an active investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available and when appropriate.

Recent News Articles

Gazette Op-ed: Why Colorado Shouldn’t Legalize Prostitution

As Sheriff, my foremost responsibilities are to promote public safety, safeguard victims, and hold offenders accountable. Senate Bill 26-097, Decriminalize Adult Commercial Sexual Activity, raises serious concerns across each of these responsibilities. The bill mandates statewide decriminalization of commercial sexual activity between consenting adults and declares the issue a matter of statewide concern, preempting all local and home-rule laws regulating or

Read More »

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Celebrates 10 Dedicated School Resource Officers on SRO Appreciation Day

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognizes and honors our 10 School Resource Officers (SROs) and the dedicated SRO Sergeant who oversees and supports the program across six school districts throughout El Paso County on School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, February 15, 2026. Our SROs are assigned to the following districts: Widefield School District 3 Lewis-Palmer School District 38

Read More »

Sheriff Roybal Urges Vigilance as Fire Danger Remains High

El Paso County Fire Warden and Sheriff Joseph Roybal reminds the community Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in place for the unincorporated areas of El Paso County. Sheriff Roybal stated: “Below-average precipitation combined with Red Flag wind conditions significantly increases the risk of wildland fires in our community, and the threat remains high. As always, I will continue to evaluate

Read More »

Contact Information

Phone
(719) 520-7100

Address
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
27 East Vermijo Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Office hours
8:00 am – 4:30 pm