CSPD: Man killed in OIS threatened to kill officers

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) released a Significant Event Briefing video with body-worn camera (BWC) footage related to the officer-involved shooting that happened on Deerfield Hills Road on Saturday, May 18.

According to CSPD, at around 10:30 p.m., police got a call about a suicidal man later identified as 40-year-old Michael Ray Hurst Jr. allegedly armed with a gun at a home in the 4200 block of Deerfield Hills Road near the intersection of South Academy Boulevard and Hancock Expressway. The briefing video identified the reporting party was Hurst’s mother.

Hurst’s mother said her son was suicidal, on drugs, and had gotten a hold of a shotgun. During the 911 phone call, a shot was heard, which Hurst’s mother believed was likely fired into the ceiling.

At about 10:45 p.m. officers arrived at the home to check on the welfare of Hurst. Officers used a PA system, attempting to get Hurst out of the home. After about 13 minutes, Hurst allegedly fired two shots into the neighborhood, Hurst also shot a CSPD drone that was in the air.

According to CSPD, around 17 minutes after firing at the drone, Hurst left the home with a rifle in his hand. Officers tried to get Hurst to drop the weapon and resolve the situation peacefully. BWC video shows Hurst being aggressive towards officers and threatening to kill them.

Police said after around 5 minutes of trying to get Hurst to drop the weapon, he allegedly made movements indicating an intent to use the rifle. That is when a CSPD officer fired his rifle four times at Hurst and hit him twice.

After Hurst was shot and CSPD determined the scene to be safe, officers took Hurst into custody. Officers rendered medical aid on the scene, Hurst was later taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. CSPD said officers found a .30-06 rifle in Hurst’s possession when he was taken into custody.

As per CSPD policy, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) responded to the scene and started an investigation. Once EPSO’s investigation is completed, it will be sent to the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office to determine if the officer’s use of force is compliant with Colorado law.

A list of mental health resources in southern Colorado can be found here: Let’s Talk Mental Health: Sponsors, Resources & Forums

The National Suicide Hotline, a prevention network of over 200+ crisis centers, can be reached 24/7 at 988.

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