COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A man is dead following an officer-involved shooting that occurred late Saturday afternoon in the 3100 block of Illinois Avenue, near Edison Elementary School.
According to Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) spokesperson Ira Cronin, officers were dispatched to the location around 5 p.m. in response to a family disturbance call. Upon arrival, police learned that two individuals involved in the disturbance had left the home before officers arrived, leaving a third person inside with an armed suspect. The parties involved in the incident were all family members.
In response to the situation, officers took immediate steps to ensure the safety of the remaining family member still inside the home. They developed a plan to make contact with the suspect inside the residence.
Upon reaching the individual, officers encountered a suspect who was still armed. Despite verbal commands to drop the weapon, the suspect reportedly raised the firearm toward the officers. In response to this threat, two officers discharged their weapons, striking the suspect.
Officers quickly began performing life-saving medical aid, but the suspect, later identified as 45-year-old Derrick Warde, was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured during the encounter.
In accordance with department policy, the two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO) conducts an independent investigation into the incident.
CSPD has stated that they will release body camera footage of the incident and a more detailed report within three weeks, as required by department protocols.
The incident remains under investigation.
