WARNING: Some footage in the linked video may be disturbing to some viewers. Discretion is advised.
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — As part of its transparency policy, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) has released body-worn camera (BWC) footage, as well as witness video and relevant 911 audio recordings connected to the officer-involved shooting in Downtown Colorado Springs on March 31.
Officers originally responded to a parking lot on the northeast corner of the South Nevada Avenue and Pikes Peak Avenue intersection shortly after 2:15 p.m. on March 31 after a 911 caller had reported that he saw a person breaking into cars and stealing things. When the witness tried to confront the suspect, the suspect allegedly pointed a gun at him and threatened him.
When officers arrived at the parking lot, they found the suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Nathaniel Altman, sitting in a parked car with the driver’s door open. Officers gave Altman multiple commands to step out of the car and show his hands, though CSPD said Altman refused to comply.
Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department
As officers were attempting to de-escalate the situation, a bystander in a car drove through the parking lot and parked nearby, meaning officers now had to be aware of an innocent person in danger. Soon after, Altman stepped out of the car he was sitting in and began arguing with officers, though the audio in the BWC footage is not clear enough to determine what he was saying.
Officers can be heard in the video trying to clear their line of fire to keep the bystander safe, and warning Altman that if he did not follow orders, deadly force would be used. Altman then ran between parked cars in the direction of the bystander, and an officer called out that Altman was armed with a gun. Fearing that Altman would put the bystander in danger, one officer fired three shots, hitting Altman.
Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department, Altman seen top right.
Altman was taken into custody, and medical aid was provided, but he succumbed to his injuries, CSPD said. A loaded 9 millimeter handgun was recovered on scene. The officer who fired on Altman is identified as Officer Carlos Pittman, assigned to the Gold Hill division. He has been employed by CSPD for nearly four years.
Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) is investigating the officer-involved shooting. Once the investigation is complete, EPSO will send its findings to the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review of the officer’s use of force.
