At approximately 11 p.m. Monday, April 11, Manitou Springs Police Department officers and El Paso County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a business in the 900 block of Manitou Avenue, where someone was reportedly menacing others with a firearm.
A short time later, officers and deputies contacted the suspect. During that contact, the suspect fired at least one round at law enforcement personnel.
As a result, at least one MSPD officer and at least one El Paso County Sheriff’s deputy fired their duty weapons at least one time, striking the suspect. Officers and deputies immediately started life-saving measures until medical personnel arrived.
However, the suspect died on the scene.
An El Paso County Sheriff’s K9 dog was shot and killed during this incident. Jinx’s handler was not injured, and no other deputies or officers were wounded.
The involved officers and deputies have been placed on administrative leave per their department policies.
Following Colorado statute, the Colorado Springs Police Department is the lead investigative agency for this officer-involved shooting. This is an ongoing investigation and information will be released as appropriate.
The April 12 City Council work session was canceled because police personnel and city staffers spent much of the night dealing with the situation.
“Owing to the trauma, emotional impact and fatigue on staff, I do not think our meeting will be productive. It will be respectful of our staff to cancel the meeting,” Mayor John Graham wrote in an email sent to council members, city staff and the media.
A message from the Chamber of Commerce
We would like to express our sincere condolences to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in the loss of its K9 officer, Jinx, the Manitou Springs Police Department, Manitou Springs Fire Department, city of Manitou Springs employees, the businesses and their employees, residents, and School District 14 staff and students who were involved in or impacted by the tragic events that took place in Manitou Springs on Monday night.
We would also like to thank the city of Manitou Springs for putting together the UCHealth Behavioral Health opportunity for all those affected by this tragedy.
The Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau & Office of Economic Development board of directors, staff and volunteers