DA’s Office declines to press charges after reviewing October 8 police officer shooting
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - On October 8, 2024, a Colorado Springs police officer fired four shots at Matthew Kemper, killing him. Today, the District Attorney's Office announced it will not be filing charges against the officer who fired the shots.
District Attorney Michael Allen ruled the use of force in this incident was justified, citing two Colorado laws specifically.
CRS 18-1-707 states that a peace officer may use physical force to prevent serious bodily injury or death to the peace officer or another person.
CRS 18-1-707 (4.5), this law states a peace officer is justified in using deadly force if they believe they or another person is in immediate danger.
In this case, officers say Kemper charged at the officers with a knife after previously threatening to assault his roommate.
Another aspect of this shooting, Kemper's roommate told the dispatcher Kemper was making suicidal threats and harming himself that night.
