(CAÑON CITY, Colo.) — A 27-year-old man was reportedly drunk and armed with a handgun before an officer-involved shooting in Cañon City on Friday, Aug. 29.
Courtesy: FOX21 News
According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a deputy with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded shortly after 6 p.m. on Friday to the 1400 block of Chestnut Street in Cañon City after “repeated 911 hang-up calls” were received from the home.
Court documents state that when the deputy arrived, he made contact with the suspect’s 81-year-old grandmother, who reported that her grandson, 27-year-old Ethan Pollington, was drunk and armed with a handgun. Pollington’s grandmother told responding law enforcement that Pollington had been drinking and that he was armed with a gun she had reluctantly given him earlier in the day.
Pollington’s grandmother said he had a history of mental health issues since leaving the Army, and that he “just [wanted] to die.” Pollington had allegedly told his grandmother during an argument that if she called 911, he would shoot the responding law enforcement officers.
As the deputy was speaking with Pollington’s grandmother, Pollington allegedly opened the door and pointed the handgun at the deputy. Court documents state that Pollington’s grandmother was standing between him and the deputy, slightly off to the side, and that there was reason for the deputy to believe that his own life and Pollington’s grandmother’s life were in danger.
The deputy fired at Pollington, hitting him in the arm and the leg. The deputy was not hit by gunfire but was taken to the hospital following a medical event and has since been released. Pollington’s handgun was later determined to be unloaded.
Pollington was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries and has since been placed into custody after his release from the hospital. He is facing numerous charges in connection with this incident, including:
First-Degree Assault
Felony Menacing of a Peace Officer
Reckless Endangerment of an At-Risk Adult
Reckless Endangerment
Prohibited Use of a Weapon
The investigation of this incident is ongoing, and the full body-worn camera footage from the responding deputy is currently being reviewed.
