(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s (DA) Office has completed a review of an officer’s use of force in a December 2024 officer-involved shooting, determining that the officer was justified in shooting a woman.
According to the DA’s Office, the two officers involved in the incident have been identified as Officer Alan Hansen and Eric Rusch. Officer Rusch, who fired his weapon during the incident, has been employed by the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) for approximately seven years.
Officers originally responded just before 3:15 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2024, to a report of a woman, 43-year-old Kari Anstett, excessively knocking and ringing the doorbell of her ex-boyfriend’s home in the 5600 block of Buckskin Pass Drive, near Powers Boulevard and North Carefree Circle. Anstett was reportedly in violation of a protection order.
Officers were reportedly familiar with Anstett, as they had responded to calls for service involving her and her ex-boyfriend before. CSPD also said officers were aware that Anstett was known to carry a gun.
When Officer Rusch arrived, he pulled his patrol car in front of the home and got out, at which point he saw Anstett walking away from the front of the house and behind a truck parked in the driveway. At the same time, Officer Hansen pulled his patrol car in front of the home on the street.
Officer Rusch called out to Anstett that he needed to speak with her; however, when she emerged from behind the truck, she pointed a black revolver at Officer Rusch. Officer Rusch ordered Anstett to stop, and she then pointed the gun at Officer Hansen as he was still seated in his patrol car. Anstett started to run away, but continued pointing the gun at Officer Hansen.
The 4th Judicial DA’s Office said Officer Rusch stated he believed he or Officer Hansen were in danger of being injured or killed by Anstett, so Officer Rusch pulled his own weapon and fired three shots. One hit Anstett in the left hip, one hit her left calf, and the third shot hit her backpack and appeared to fragment inside it.
Anstett fell to the ground, and the officers immediately provided medical aid once she was no longer deemed a threat. Anstett was taken to the hospital and survived her injuries.
On scene, Anstett’s weapon was located near where she collapsed, and it was found to be fully loaded at the time she pointed it at Officer Hansen. Anstett was later charged with threatening a peace officer with a weapon, menacing, violating a protection order, and violating a protection order with a weapon.
After a thorough review of statements, body-worn camera footage, and interviews, the DA’s Office determined that Officer Rusch was justified in his use of force against Anstett. Anstett is due in El Paso County Court on Nov. 18.
