<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Thursday, March 28, 2024
March 28, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

Grand jury to probe shooting death of Colorado man in crisis

By JESSE BEDAYN, Associated Press/Report for America
Published: October 27, 2022, 11:20am
2 Photos
FILE - In this image provided by Sally Glass, her son Christian Glass, right, sits with his father, Simon Glass, in Colorado on March 11, 2021. Prosecutors say a grand jury will investigate the fatal police shooting of 22-year-old Christian Glass, who had called 911 for roadside assistance and was experiencing a crisis. The Glass family in September 2022 called for accountability over a situation in which they believe officers escalated the situation, needlessly leading to their son's death.
FILE - In this image provided by Sally Glass, her son Christian Glass, right, sits with his father, Simon Glass, in Colorado on March 11, 2021. Prosecutors say a grand jury will investigate the fatal police shooting of 22-year-old Christian Glass, who had called 911 for roadside assistance and was experiencing a crisis. The Glass family in September 2022 called for accountability over a situation in which they believe officers escalated the situation, needlessly leading to their son's death. (Sally Glass via AP, File) Photo Gallery

DENVER (AP) — A grand jury is investigating the death of a 22-year-old Colorado man who was shot by police after calling 911 for roadside assistance and while experiencing what his mother described as a mental health crisis.

The parents of Christian Glass last month called for accountability, saying they believe officers needlessly escalated the June 10 situation in the small mountain town of Silver Plume west of Denver, leading to their son’s death.

Fifth Judicial District Attorney Heidi McCollum announced Wednesday that she is presenting the case to a grand jury, which was empaneled Tuesday and will meet several times during November.

“This is a step in the right direction, but the community has a long way to go to get justice for Christian,” said Siddhartha Rathod, attorney for Glass’ parents.

Glass called police because his car had become stuck on an embankment late on June 10. Body camera videos show Glass refusing to get out his car while also telling police he’s “terrified” and making heart shapes with his hands to officers.

Officers talked to him to try to persuade him to leave the car. After more than an hour of negotiations, police said Glass was being uncooperative and they broke the passenger window and removed a knife from the vehicle.

Glass offered to throw two knives out of the window but the video shows officers telling him not to.

Once the window was shattered, Glass seemed to panic and grabbed a second knife. Police then shot Glass with bean bag rounds and shocked him with a stun gun. The footage shows Glass twisting in his seat and thrusting a knife toward an officer who approaches the rear driver window. Then another officer fired his gun, hitting Glass six times, according to the autopsy report.

The shooting has already been investigated by a team of agencies led by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. The results of such investigations are usually not released until after prosecutors decide whether to pursue charges.

The grand jury can issue subpoenas compelling people to testify under oath, and review the evidence already gathered. If the evidence warrants it, they can issue an indictment, McCollum said.

“It is imperative that we reach the right decision and not rush into judgement — in fairness to the family of the victim, and those involved with and impacted by Christian’s death. Most of all, I am absolutely committed to seeking justice in this case,” she said.

In a statement, Glass’ parents welcomed the grand jury investigation, saying the “wheels of justice are turning in the right direction.”

“There is not an hour that passes that we do not think about our gentle son Christian Glass. We are expecting accountability for those involved in his murder,” Sally and Simon Glass said.

During a September news conference, Sally Glass said her son suffered from depression, had recently been diagnosed with ADHD and was “having a mental health episode” during his interaction with the police. Glass said her son was “petrified” and “paralyzed” by fear the night he was killed.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis offered his condolences last month during a private meeting with Glass’ parents.

The shooting comes amid a national outcry for police reforms focused on crisis intervention, de-escalation and alternative policing programs. In Denver and New York, behavioral health specialists are sent to 911 callers facing crises that police may not be trained to address or might exacerbate.

Clear Creek County, where the shooting occurred, is in the early stages of developing an alternative policing program.

County Commissioner Randy Wheelock said the Glass case was one of many nationwide that encouraged authorities to “try to increase the level of resources available.”

The Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to a request for comment.

Loading...