The death of a 22-year-old Boulder man, who was experiencing a mental health crisis, at the hands of deputies and police near Silver Plume is being presented to a grand jury.
District Attorney Heidi McCollum has launched a grand jury investigation into the June 10 police shooting death of Christian Glass, according to a 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office news release.
A grand jury was empaneled on Tuesday and McCollum is presenting the incident for further investigation and the possible return of charges, the release said.
Under the lead of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, state, local and federal agencies have been investigating the death of Glass, who was shot by a Clear Creek County deputy. Glass had called 911 for help after he crashed his vehicle into berm.
Glass told dispatchers that he had two knives in the car, deputies and officers from several agencies tried for more than an hour to coax Glass from the vehicle. Responders broke a car window to pull Glass from out of the vehicle, Glass grabbed a knife and stabbed toward an officer when he was shot. No officers were injured. Glass had committed no crime.
Glass, who experiencing delusions and paranoia during the incident, said he was afraid to step out of his car. He had offered to throw the knives out the window, but the deputies told him not to.
“After a comprehensive investigation, I now intend to bring this matter to the grand jury which, at my request, is scheduled to convene multiple times during the month of November,” said McCollum in the release.
A grand jury reviews evidence, gathers witness testimony under oath and has subpoena power.
“When a peace officer shoots and wounds or kills another in Colorado, there are specific protocols to investigate and review such matters,” McCollum said. “It is imperative that we reach the right decision and not rush into judgement — in fairness to the family of the victim, and those involved with and impacted by Christian’s death. Most of all, I am absolutely committed to seeking justice in this case. The Grand Jury, through their subpoena power and sworn testimony, will aid us in reaching the right outcome. Once it is completed, I will share the findings with our community.”
In September, attorneys for Glass’ parents released body camera footage of the killing, which prompted questions from local and state authorities. The Clear Creek County Board of Commissioners in a statement said “the circumstances around his death are deeply troubling.”
Gov. Jared Polis spoke with Glass’ parents in September and in a statement called for the expansion of teams that pair officers with mental health professionals. There’s no such program in Clear Creek County.
Glass’ parents, through their attorney, released a statement Wednesday on the grand jury development:
“The wheels of justice are turning in the right direction, and we support the efforts and diligence of the 5th Judicial District Attorney, Heidi McCollum, to empanel a Grand Jury. There is not an hour that passes that we do not think about our gentle son Christian Glass. We are expecting accountability for those involved in his murder,” said Sally and Simon Glass.
The grand jury, if evidence warrants, returns criminal charges in an indictment.
“The death of Christian Glass was a tragic event, and the condolences of my office remain with Mr. Glass’s family and friends through this difficult time,” McCollum added.
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