(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) has released body-worn camera (BWC) and drone footage of the events that led up to a non-injury officer-involved shooting in July near Palmer Park.
Officers originally responded to a domestic disturbance call shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, in the 3800 block of Radiant Drive, off Academy Boulevard and Maizeland Drive. When officers arrived, they contacted the victim and got a description of the suspect and his vehicle, though the suspect was no longer at the location. CSPD said probable cause was developed to pursue domestic violence charges against the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Don Woodson.
About 45 minutes later, detectives with the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) located Woodson’s car about a block north, near North Carefree Circle and North Academy Boulevard. When officers responded, Woodson ran away, and officers lost sight of him.
About 10 minutes later, a CSPD drone located the suspect in the 3400 block of Floris Point. CSPD’s event briefing video shows the drone unit guiding officers through the dark to Woodson’s position, as well as confirming that he matched the suspect description from the domestic disturbance call.
Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department
The drone footage shows Woodson running around a building and hopping a fence to escape approaching officers, and he ends up in a residential neighborhood. Corresponding BWC footage shows an officer chasing after him and giving orders to stop, otherwise force would be used.
Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department
After Woodson can be seen rounding the corner of a home, the drone unit can be heard saying Woodson dropped something and was reaching for it. Woodson then ducks behind a bush, and as the officer rounds the corner of the home, the officer fires a shot.
CSPD said the shot did not hit Woodson, and he can be seen surrendering on the BWC footage. He was taken into custody for domestic violence-related robbery and other charges.
The officer involved in the shooting is identified as Seth Sheppard, assigned to the Stetson Hills Division. He has been employed by CSPD for almost two years, CSPD said.
Pursuant to Colorado law, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) is investigating CSPD’s use of force. EPSO will send its findings to the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for a determination on whether the officer’s use of force complied with Colorado law.
