A man wanted on an active felony warrant was shot and killed by officers after a tense police chase down Youngfield Street that ended in tragedy.
The shooting happened on Wednesday near West 32nd Avenue and is now under independent review.
According to police, an officer identified Butts while on patrol and approached him.
Butts immediately ran under the I-70 overpass, and the officer chased him on foot.
Body-camera video shows the officer first trying to stop him with a stun gun.
Moments later, after both men moved out from under the overpass, investigators say Butts pointed a gun at the officer.
The officer fired several rounds, striking Butts, who was taken to a hospital where he died.
Family members said his name was Duane Butts and that he had struggled emotionally in recent months.
His sister said it was “incredibly difficult” to watch the video, as he appeared panicked and afraid.
His sister called on the public to keep in mind that the footage depicts “the last moments of someone we loved.”
The Wheat Ridge Police Department said an initial review found that the officer was within policy. The investigation is now being handled by the District Attorney’s Critical Incident Response Team. Officials say more information will be released once the review is complete.
Community members have reflected mixed reactions to it, some questioning the police’s use of force, and others pointing to the swift and high-risk nature of the encounter.
