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Investigative file on De’von Bailey case released, legislation change discussed

Devon Bailey
KRDO

A state representative from Colorado Springs wants to introduce legislation that will change the way law enforcement agencies are investigated after the use of deadly force. It comes just days after the El Paso County Sheriff's Office released a 385-page investigation file on the De'von Bailey shooting case.

Representative Tony Exum serves District 17, where the Colorado Springs officer-involved shooting of 19-year-old De'von Bailey took place. That's what sparked this call to action.

"Basically we want to say that [in] a police officer-involved shooting, that investigation has to be outside that judicial district -- to get a third set of eyes, if you will, on the process. And there is nothing to say bad about our law enforcement here, it's just when you got close ties. It doesn't render public trust," said Representative Tony Exum, Sr. with District 17 in Southeast Colorado Springs.

The shooting has received national attention and has been heavily criticized after police released body camera footage that showed officers shooting bailey in the back as he ran away. But investigative reports released this week include interviews and drawings from both officers involved.

In an interview with Officer Blake Evenson, he said Sgt. Alan Van't Land fired first, but he then followed suit. Evenson said he thought Bailey was going to grab his gun and shoot them, somebody nearby or carjack a citizen.

Van't Land's interview was also released in the investigative report. He said he couldn't see Bailey's hands but could see the angle of his arms were at his waist.

Because of the strong backlash after this shooting, Exum says re-examining legislation will be an upcoming topic of discussion.

"Our concern and my concern is that the relationship with the Colorado Springs Police department, the DA and the mayor is too close. Things we're going to be discussing is having that investigation done outside the judicial district," Exum said.

Some lawmakers are suggesting these types of investigations be handled by the State Attorney General's Office or the Colorado Bureau of Investigations.

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Alexis Dominguez

Alexis is a reporter for KRDO and Telemundo Surco. Learn more about Alexis here.

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