Montrose, CO — Montrose Police Officer Taylor Deines was found to have had acted in self-defense when he shot a barricaded suspect in a Montrose hotel, the District Attorney's office concluded Friday.
On September 12, 2018, Officer Deines was involved in a shooting incident involving a barricaded gunman at the Holiday Inn Express in Montrose.
During the incident, Officer Deines was involved in the department's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team operation called to address the situation. With fellow officers safely evacuating hotel guests, Officer Deines was forced to engage the gunman to protect his own life resulting in the shooting.
As per protocol, the 7th Judicial District Critical Incident Investigation Team was deployed and an independent investigation of the incident ensued. District Attorney Dan Hotsenpiller reviewed the investigation upon its completion.
“I find that the use of force by Montrose Police Officer Taylor Deines on Sept. 12 was justified pursuant to Colorado law. Because the evidence and the applicable law do not support any cause to believe Officer Deines committed a criminal act, no criminal charges should be or will be filed against Officer Deines," Hotsenpiller said in a written statement.
Montrose Police Chief Blaine Hall said officer Deines is a valued member of the Montrose Police Department and is one of the agency’s tactical team operators, and a defensive tactics instructor.
“Police officers are charged with making split-second life-altering decisions in these situations that have lasting effects. Our officers are justified in using deadly force to defend themselves or others against the threat or imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury," Hall said. "Officer Deines acted appropriately in this case and I am glad the investigation and the finding of the District Attorney support his actions.”
The Montrose Police Department would again like to thank the many people that were displaced that day during the standoff for their willingness to be patient during the situation which helped support the agency’s operations.
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