DA’s Office: Actions of deputies rushed by El Paso County inmate justified in fatal incident

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office has determined that a use of force resulting in an inmate death at the El Paso County jail involving deputies was justified. A video released by the sheriff's office back in January showed an inmate who rushed deputies before experiencing a fatal medical emergency.

Warning, this video could be disturbing:

The inmate was identified as Brian Clark. The video shows Clark rush deputies when they attempt to switch out a defective safety smock, according to EPCSO. A struggle ensued, and eventually Clark was thrown to the ground and restrained. During the incident, Clark suffered a cardiac event and died despite life-saving efforts, the sheriff's office said.

In an updated release sent to KRDO Thursday, the sheriff's office said the actions of all 10 employees -- two sergeants and eight deputies -- were determined to be legal, appropriate and justified by the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office.

The incident was investigated by the Colorado Springs Police Department.