WARNING: Some of the video and audio recordings released by CSPD and details of the incident may be disturbing to some readers. Discretion is advised.
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) has released footage from officers’ body-worn cameras (BWC) following a deadly officer-involved shooting in Stetson Hills, in which a suicidal man allegedly lunged at officers with a knife.
According to CSPD, officers originally responded just before midnight on Monday, Oct. 7 to a report of a suicidal man cutting himself with a knife in the 5100 block of Prairie Grass Lane, southeast of Tutt and Stetson Hills Boulevards.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: EPSO identifies suspect who allegedly charged officers with knife
When officers arrived, the man, identified as 41-year-old Matthew D. Kemper, was still inside the home as well as the roommate who had called 911. At that point, the roommate called 911 again to report that Kemper had resumed cutting himself.
Officers then entered the home in an attempt to get the roommate out safely and de-escalate the situation with Kemper. The officers announced themselves and told the roommate to come out, and shortly after, Kemper allegedly lunged at the two lead officers. Officer Noah Bartron fired several times, hitting Kemper.