WARNING: Some visuals in the linked body camera footage may be disturbing to some viewers. Discretion is advised.
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) has released a significant event briefing related to an officer-involved shooting that happened on Feb. 15.
According to CSPD, just before 5 p.m. on Feb. 15, police were called to a home in the 3100 block of Illinois Avenue north of East Fillmore Street on a report of a family disturbance involving a gun. The caller said their son was in the home arguing with another family member and had a rifle. The caller also indicated to 911 that their son would shoot police.
The caller and another person were able to leave the home, leaving the suspect and another family member inside the home. When police arrived, they made a plan to contact the suspect and remove the other person from the home. While police were planning, the suspect opened the door and made contact with officers.
Police identified themselves and instructed the suspect, later identified as 45-year-old Derrick Wardle, to leave the home, but Wardle refused. Police saw a rifle in Wardle’s hands and ordered him to drop the gun. CSPD said Wardle started to raise the rifle, and two officers, identified as Officer Brock Lofgren and Officer Ben Johnson, fired at least one shot, hitting Wardle.
Police rendered emergency medical aid until paramedics arrived. Wardle, however, was pronounced dead on the scene.
CSPD said the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is investigating and, once complete, will send its findings to the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office for a determination of whether the officers’ use of force complied with Colorado law.

