Man killed in police shooting identified, linked to March arson investigation
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)--The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) has released the identification of the man killed in a police shooting late Saturday night in east Colorado Springs.
According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, the incident happened around 10:57 p.m. on April 4 in the 1200 block of North Academy Boulevard.
The male suspect was identified by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office as 40-year-old Benjamin Greenfield, says EPSO.
Police say a Metro Task Force made up of CSPD officers and a deputy from the EPSO was conducting proactive enforcement in the area when officers spotted a suspicious vehicle occupied by an adult man and woman they were already familiar with.
After officers approached the vehicle and identified themselves, investigators say the male driver attempted to flee. During that attempt, the vehicle became stuck, leaving it unable to move.
Officers gave repeated commands for both occupants to exit the vehicle and told the driver he was under arrest, warning that deadly force could be used if he did not comply. Police say the female passenger exited the vehicle, but the male driver refused.
According to CSPD, while officers were continuing to give commands, the male suspect fired at least one shot toward officers.
In response, three CSPD officers fired their weapons, striking the suspect. The EPSO deputy on scene did not discharge their weapon.
Officers removed the suspect from the vehicle and began providing medical aid until emergency personnel arrived. The suspect was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The female passenger was detained and interviewed. Her role in the incident remains under investigation.
Per Colorado law, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) will lead the investigation into the shooting. CSPD says all future updates will come from that agency.
Police also confirmed that a “significant event briefing” video, including body camera footage and additional details, is expected to be released within 21 days.
This remains an active investigation, according to EPSO.
KRDO13 has learned that Benjamin Greenfield was also at the center of a recent law enforcement operation involving CSPD and the FBI, less than a month ago.
PAST COVERAGE: FBI, CSFD investigating circumstances of house fire Wednesday in east Colorado Springs
On March 11, the FBI later released a statement that its agents were executing a federal criminal search warrant, unrelated to immigration enforcement. CSPD confirmed that their Metro Narcotics Unit and the FBI began a joint investigation into a drug trafficker who had a history of vehicular assaults, aggravated robbery and felony menacing.
CSPD says that a search warrant was used, and when they arrived, several residents exited the home; however, the suspect refused to come out. Police say the suspect, who was identified as Greenfield, then began lighting several fires within the home.
Police say after a short chase, Greenfield was taken into custody and faced several charges, including arson.
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