Deadly Colorado Springs police shooting ruled justified

Colorado Springs police officers shot and killed a man while trying to handcuff him. The shooting was later ruled justified by the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

The incident between Officers Christopher Fernandes and Tracy Troth and Christopher Louis Willard happened on December 2, 2017 in the 1500 block of South Nevada Avenue.

The police body-cam footage that was released Tuesday, shows the officers firing multiple rounds with shouts saying to get on the ground.

It all started when Fernades and Toth arrived to a parking lot behind a strip mall in the 1500 block of South Nevada Ave. to arrest Willard on a misdemeanor theft charge.

As Fernades approached Willard, Willard stood by the open driver’s side door of his car. Willard complied as Fernades told him to put his hands behind his back. As Fernades began to handcuff Willard he noticed a brace or cast on his wrist, which turned out to be an arm or shin guard strapped to his inner left forearm and modified into a weapon with a screwdriver bit.

Willard began to tense up and pulled his hands towards his waist. Toth then began to assist in the arrest. As the officers tried to handcuff Willard he said ” I have something. ” They gave Willard multiple commands to put his hands behind his back, and then ordered him to the ground. Willard manage to twist out of the officers grips and continued to reach towards his waistband.

Toth yelled for Willard to get back down and warned him that he was going to get tased. Toth then tripped and fell down in front of Willard. Willard spun around and Fernandes said he saw “the barrel of a gun pointing at me.” Immediately after yelling, “get back,” Fernandes opened fire. While Willard was lying on the ground, Fernandes said he saw Willard lift his head and raise his gun. Both officers then fired at him. The officers fired 13 rounds.

The investigation revealed Willard’s gun was a realistic looking semi-automatic styled bb gun.

Willard was pronounced dead at Memorial Hospital. According to the autopsy, he had been shot at least 9 times and had methamphetamine in his system.

The District Attorney’s Office reviewed the facts and evidence from the investigation, and believe that CSPD Officers Fernandes and Toth acted reasonably. The District Attorney’s Office said it was reasonable to believe that the gun in Willard’s possession was a legitimate firearm. Thus, based on the law and the facts, the investigation has determined that the actions of the officers were justified under the law of the State of Colorado. No criminal charges will be pursued.