Family of man killed by police has unanswered questions

The family of a man killed by a Colorado Springs police officer wants answers about why it happened.

Robert Kresky, 23, was shot on December 4 near Bijou Street and Iowa Avenue.

Police said they found him driving a stolen vehicle near Powers Boulevard and Astrozon Drive and he refused to pull over. Officers chased him for about five miles, and the pursuit ended when Kresky crashed with a police car. Police said Kresky was shot during a foot chase after he got out of the car and started running.

A CSPD report of the incident doesn’t mention if Kresky had a weapon or threatened officers.

“He was wrong for sure, but I don’t know if that dictates being shot to death,” said Bennie West, Kresky’s great-uncle.

West said he wonders why the officer didn’t use a taser instead of a gun. He said his family has heard disputing information about how many times Kresky was shot.

“We’ve heard everything from one time, to multiple times to 16 times,” West said. “I dont know. Seems rather excessive. Even one time seems rather excessive.”

Kresky went by his middle name, Jeremiah, to family and friends. His common-law wife said he was a father to a 10-month-old son, and also “dad” to her three children from a prior relationship.

“He was the most amazing father,” said Rachelle McDermed.

She said Kresky made a mistake, but wasn’t a violent person.

The officer who shot Kresky, who has not been identified, has been put on paid administrative leave from CSPD, per standard protocol. The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is investigating the case along with detectives from CSPD’s Violent Crimes Unit. It will take up to two months to determine whether the shooting was justified.

According to Colorado court records, Kresky has been was in trouble with the law before with convictions for stealing a car, theft between $50-$300 and drug possession.