Cem Duzel, other Colorado Springs officer’s actions justified in shooting

After review of a shooting involving two Colorado Springs police officers, the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office has come to the conclusion that Officer Cem Duzel and Ron Carter’s actions were justified in the August 2 shooting in which Duzel sustained a life-threatening injury.

Officers Duzel and Carter responded to a 1902 Boulder Street on August 2, for reports of hearing gunshots.

After a few minutes on the scene, Duzel traveled east of the intersection of Boulder and Swope, that’s when he made contact with 31-year-old Karrar Al Khammasi. Al Khammasi and Duzel exchanged gunfire and during the exchange, Duzel sustained a gunshot wound to the head.

Carter arrived on the scene within seconds of the encounter and saw both Duzel and Al Khammasi lying on the ground. Carter saw that Al Khammasi still had a firearm in his hand, so Carter discharged his firearm, resulting in Al Khammasi being disarmed.

Medical attention was given to both Duzel and Al Khammasi. Al Khammasi is currently facing multiple charges including criminal attempt to commit murder in the first degree. He is set to be arraigned on Nov. 30.

Duzel has been recovering and is undergoing rehabilitation at a Denver-area hospital. Colorado Springs police have shared multiple pictures showing his progress from being wheelchair-bound to standing on his own.