Update
The Colorado Springs Police Officer involved in the shooting on April 22, 2021, in the 500 block of Garden of the Gods Road was Officer Christopher Burns. Officer Burns has been employed with the Colorado Springs Police Department since March of 1998, and is currently assigned to the Falcon Division, Shift I.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigative agency for this officer involved shooting. This is an ongoing investigation and all investigative updates will only be provided by the Sheriff's Office Public Information Office.
Original Press Release From EPSO
On Thursday, April 22, 2021, at approximately 6:30 AM, officers with the Colorado Springs Police Department were working a stolen car detail in the 500 block of Garden of the Gods Road.
They located a vehicle in the parking lot of the Quality Inn with no license plate and attempted to make contact with the suspect who exited the vehicle with what appeared to be an AR-15 pointed at his chin. The suspect began walking towards the Phillips 66 gas station and was given verbal commands to put the weapon down. The suspect did not comply.
The suspect began to approach a citizen who was pumping gas, more verbal commands were given and the suspect still refused to comply. One officer deployed his Taser which was ineffective. Another officer fired at least one round and the suspect was hit at least one time.
The suspect was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect has been identified as Richard Quintana, DOB: 04/21/1984. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Coroner's Office once they have all the information to make a ruling.
In accordance with Colorado Revised Statute 16-2.5-301, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office is the lead investigative agency for this officer-involved shooting.
The involved officer was not injured and has been placed on administrative leave per their policy. Information regarding the law enforcement officer involved in this incident will come from the Colorado Springs Police Department.
This was an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public.
All information regarding this investigation will come from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer.