The Colorado Springs Police Department has released a video of a suspect being shot and killed during an officer-involved shooting. The incident occurred on August 17 in Colorado Springs. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Benjamin Annaboli, was wanted for multiple felony warrants. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the shooting. The video includes footage from a police drone. Tony Keith reported
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – WARNING: The video at the top of this article contains disturbing footage of a suspect who was fatally shot. The Colorado Springs Police Department recently released the edited video to the public as part of a new protocol implemented on February 1, 2023.
The incident, an officer-involved shooting, took place on August 17 in the 1700 block of Aeroplaza Drive. This area, situated off Fountain Boulevard just west of Powers, became the site of a high-stakes operation as the U.S. Marshals Service and Colorado State Parole collaborated to apprehend a wanted suspect who had multiple felony warrants against him. Given the severity of the situation, the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Tactical Enforcement Units were called in to assist.
According to Colorado Springs police, when the officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, he made a desperate attempt to escape by driving away in the vehicle in which he was located. However, his efforts were in vain, and realizing he was trapped, he abandoned the vehicle and tried to flee on foot towards the front entrance of a nearby business establishment. It is worth noting that the suspect had a notably violent criminal history.
In a news release, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office stated, “The suspect initially attempted to escape in the vehicle, and when that was unsuccessful, he attempted to flee on foot towards the front doors of the hotel.” The authorities deployed a K9 unit from the Colorado Springs Police Department, which confronted the fugitive outside the hotel. In the midst of this confrontation, the suspect brandished a handgun, prompting at least one officer to discharge their weapon in an attempt to neutralize the threat. The officers swiftly apprehended the fugitive and provided immediate medical assistance until emergency medical services arrived. The suspect was then transported to a nearby hospital, where medical professionals attempted to save his life. However, despite their efforts, the suspect succumbed to his injuries.
Investigations into the shooting are being led by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, which has assumed the role of the primary investigative agency for this incident. As part of their investigation, the authorities have released a video capturing the incident. The footage, captured from a Colorado Springs Police Department unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), offers a unique perspective on the events leading up to the shooting.
This incident has generated significant attention and debate, as it raises questions about the use of force by law enforcement officers. Public scrutiny surrounding officer-involved shootings has prompted many police departments to adopt new protocols for transparency, such as the release of edited videos to provide clearer insights into such incidents.
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