Police Confront Armed Suspect on Bodycam – Derrick Wardle

NITIAL CALL: DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE WITH A FIREARM

On February 15, 2025, at approximately 5 p.m., CSPD officers responded to a reported family disturbance involving a firearm in the 3100 block of Illinois Avenue, near East Fillmore Street and North Hancock Avenue. The caller, a woman, reported that her son, 45-year-old Derrick Wardle, was inside her home, armed with a rifle, and engaged in a heated argument with another family member. She also indicated that Wardle had threatened to shoot police officers if they intervened.​

ARRIVAL AND INITIAL ASSESSMENT

Upon arrival, officers quickly assessed the volatile situation. Two individuals had managed to exit the residence safely, but one family member remained inside with Wardle. Recognizing the immediate danger, officers attempted to establish communication with those inside to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of all involved.

ESCALATION AND FATAL CONFRONTATION

As officers formulated a plan to safely extract the remaining individual, Wardle unexpectedly opened the front door, visibly holding a firearm—a 30.06 bolt-action rifle. Officers issued multiple commands for him to drop the weapon. Ignoring these directives, Wardle raised the rifle toward the officers, prompting two officers to discharge their firearms, striking him at least once. Officers immediately secured Wardle and administered medical aid until paramedics arrived; however, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

OFFICERS INVOLVED IN THE SHOOTING

The officers directly involved in the shooting were identified as Officer Brock Lofgren, an 11-year veteran of the CSPD, and Officer Ben Johnson, with five years of service. Both officers were placed on paid administrative leave, adhering to department policy following officer-involved shootings.

BODY CAMERA FOOTAGE RELEASED

In the interest of transparency, CSPD released the body camera footage capturing the incident. The video provides a firsthand perspective of the officers’ encounter with Wardle, illustrating the rapid escalation and the critical decisions made in real-time. The footage is a sobering testament to the dangers law enforcement officers face and the complexities inherent in such high-stakes situations.

ONGOING INVESTIGATION

As mandated by Colorado law, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting. The findings will be forwarded to the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office to determine the appropriateness of the use of force. This process ensures an unbiased review and maintains public trust in the investigative proceedings.

COMMUNITY RESPONSE

The incident has elicited varied reactions within the Colorado Springs community. Some residents express concern over the use of lethal force, advocating for increased emphasis on de-escalation tactics and mental health interventions. Conversely, others acknowledge the inherent dangers officers face and support the actions taken to protect themselves and others. This dichotomy underscores the ongoing national dialogue regarding law enforcement practices and community relations.

TRAINING AND PROCEDURES

CSPD emphasizes rigorous training protocols designed to prepare officers for a multitude of scenarios, including armed confrontations and mental health crises. Officers are trained in de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and the judicious use of force. The department continually reviews and updates its training programs to align with best practices and community expectations, striving to balance officer safety with the sanctity of human life.

IMPACT ON OFFICERS

Officer-involved shootings invariably have profound effects on the officers involved. Beyond the immediate administrative leave, officers often undergo psychological evaluations and may require counseling to process the traumatic event. Departments typically provide support services to assist officers in coping with the emotional aftermath, recognizing the mental toll such incidents can impose.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The use of deadly force by law enforcement is governed by both state and federal laws, permitting such action when officers reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to themselves or others. The forthcoming investigation will scrutinize the incident’s specifics to ascertain compliance with these legal standards, ensuring accountability and adherence to the rule of law.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The fatal shooting of Derrick Wardle by CSPD officers encapsulates the perilous and unpredictable nature of law enforcement duties. The incident highlights the critical importance of comprehensive training, transparent investigative processes, and ongoing community engagement to navigate the complexities of policing and public safety.

Police Confront Armed Suspect on Bodycam, Derrick Wardle

Police Confront Armed Suspect on Bodycam, Derrick Wardle