A pursuit that started with Thornton Police, ended with a suspect crashing into a 7-Eleven, pointing a gun at deputies, and then getting shot.
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. — No charges will be filed against Douglas County Deputies who shot a suspect after he led police on a pursuit from Thornton to Douglas County, then crashed into a 7-Eleven store, and pointed a gun at deputies.
“I reviewed all of the evidence provided by the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). Investigation in order to determine whether there was any illegal use of force by the DCSO deputies who fired their weapons,” the 18th Judicial District Chief Deputy District Attorney concluded.
>The video above is from Oct. 11.
An arrest affidavit shows Kyle Williamson was accused of multiple crimes including attempted murder.
The shooting happened on Oct. 11, and the charging decision was made this week after a Critical Incident Response Team investigation.
Thornton Police saw a suspicious black truck with red spray paint, according to the CIRT letter. Officers found the truck’s license plate was “misused.” According to an arrest affidavit, the officers were in unmarked cars at 4:30 a.m., and the CIRT report states Williamson doubled back and began following the officers.
While driving, Williamson fired at the officers, who then followed him onto I-25 south, an affidavit says. After getting shot at a couple more times, the officers followed him into Douglas County, and Douglas County deputies picked up the pursuit.
Eventually, Williamson crashed into the front of a 7-Eleven in Castle Rock.
When he got out of the truck, Williamson pointed a gun at Douglas County deputies who fired 31 total shots at him. Williamson was shot six times and survived his injuries, the CIRT report states.
“Applying the law to the facts of this incident, as described in more detail below, I conclude that the DCSO deputies who fired their weapons were legally justified in using lethal force against Mr. Williamson. The deputies’ use of force was reasonable, necessary, and appropriate in order to defend themselves and the public from the threat posed by Mr. Williamson,” the Chief Deputy District Attorney wrote.
Williamson remains in custody at the Douglas County detention center under $500,000 cash or surety bond. He has trial dates scheduled for July.
