Denver Police Justified In Killing Man Armed With Knife: DA

DENVER, CO — Denver police officers were legally justified in shooting a man who was coming towards them with a knife, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said in a review of the shooting.

Raul Rosas-Zarsosa, 52, was shot May 19 on Federal Boulevard near Harvard Avenue.

“Attempts to stop Raul Rosas-Zarsosa first with pepper balls and then with a Taser had no effect,” McCann said.

“Raul Rosas-Zarsosa was advancing toward these officers armed with a knife and got within approximately 12 feet of them before he was shot. I conclude that not only was this shooting legally justified, Officer [Katie] Phillips and her fellow officer demonstrated DPD training to use less lethal means to stop the threat before using deadly force.”

The Denver officers received a report of Rosas-Zarsosa cutting himself with a knife May 19, and they came up with a plan to approach him without startling him, according to the review.

"A civilian walking his dog was very close to this man, and officers, fearing for his safety, directed him away from the man with the knife," the review read.

"It appears that in calling out to the man with the dog, the officers alerted Mr. Rosas-Zarsosa to their presence."

Rosas-Zarsosa came towards the officers with his knife and the officers deployed pepper balls, then a Taser, but he kept advancing "rapidly," the review read. Phillips then shot him, and he later died of his injuries.

No criminal charges will be filed against Phillips, the DA's office said.

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"DA McCann will present and discuss her conclusions about officer-involved shooting incident of during a community meeting that will be announced at a future date," the office said in a news release.

McCann’s decision letter to Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen is available for review.