Statement from the Cherry Hills Village Police Department

A Cherry Hills Village Police Officer was at the hospital yesterday afternoon with an arrestee who had been taken into custody on charges of auto theft earlier in the day.  

Just after 5:30 p.m., during a medical examination, the officer, who had remained with the suspect during all phases of the hospital visit, was violently attacked by the suspect. As a result of that physical altercation the officer fired shots, striking the suspect.

“We recognize that this incident was troubling for hospital staff, patients, and visitors,” said Jason Lyons, Chief of Police at Cherry Hills Village. “Situations like this are why an officer remains with a suspect at all times while medical care is provided. Violence in a healthcare setting is unacceptable, and we are grateful that no additional injuries occurred.”

We recognize that many questions remain about what led to this use of force. Outside law enforcement agencies will investigate these details to ensure a fair and thorough investigation. As with any officer-involved shooting in Arapahoe County, the 18th Judicial District's Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) will investigate the use of force.

As per our policy, the Cherry Hills Village Police Department has placed our involved officer on paid administrative leave while these outside investigations occur. This is a standard practice for such uses of force. Additionally, our department will conduct a separate internal investigation.