Police have released body camera footage from a fatal officer-involved shooting Wednesday in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Authorities say the officer in question acted within department policy when the suspect, identified by family as Duane Butts, allegedly pointed a gun at the officer during a pursuit.
The incident, which occurred near Youngfield Street and West 32nd Avenue, is now being investigated by the District Attorney’s Critical Incident Response Team.
What happened
According to the Wheat Ridge Police Department (WRPD), an officer was on patrol near Youngfield Street and W. 32nd Avenue when he recognized a man with an active felony warrant. Police later confirmed that the man was Duane Butts.
When the officer came after him, Butts fled westbound under the I-70 overpass, authorities said. The officer pursued him on foot. Body camera footage shows the officer initially pursuing Butts, firing a stun gun. After Butts fell near the base of the overpass, the officer began using his firearm with a stun gun.
Butts then pointed the gun at the officer, police said. Moments later, the officer fired several shots. The video shows Butts turning toward the officer with an object in his hand before the shot was fired. Butts was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Who was Duane Butts?
Family members identified the man killed in the shooting as Duane Butts. Loved ones acknowledged that he struggled with addiction but insisted that he never harmed anyone.
In a social media post, Butts’ sister described him as a man facing personal challenges and urged the public to view the body camera footage with empathy and care, mindful of the emotional impact the incident has had on their family.
Body camera footage and investigation details
The Wheat Ridge Police Department released the body camera footage after completing an internal review. On Friday, WRPD announced that the investigation concluded that the officer acted in accordance with department policy.
Because this case involves a fatal officer-involved shooting, it has been turned over to the District Attorney’s Critical Incident Response Team for an independent investigation. Officials noted that this process is standard procedure and will continue.
Public and social media reactions
The release of the footage sparked strong reactions across the community and on social media. Some residents have expressed concern over the use of force by police, while others have focused on officers making rash decisions during a rapidly unfolding situation.
In her post, Butts’ sister wrote that watching the video was “incredibly difficult” and described Duane as being in a state of panic and fear throughout the encounter. He urged viewers to remember that this footage “depicts the final moments of someone we loved very much.”
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Official statement or what will happen next
The Wheat Ridge Police Department said it has offered support resources to the Butts family through Victim Outreach Incorporated. Police officials also said they are cooperating fully with the district attorney’s Critical Incident Response Team as the outside investigation continues.
No further details have been released at this time, and officials said additional updates can be provided once the independent review is completed.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
