Posts tagged Police Chief

The suspect was wearing paint-ball type body armor, camouflage clothes and Uggs furry boots. He reportedly carried a large knife when approaching officers. 

The Boulder Police Department today is releasing additional details about an officer-involved fatal shooting that occurred on Sunday, November 24^th at approximately 12:46 pm.

On 11/24/2013 at approximately 7:30 am, officers were dispatched to a potential domestic situation at 3009 Madison, apartment J208, Boulder, Colorado.  Upon arrival, officers contacted the victim, 41 year old Kirsten Stenseng, outside of the apartment.  It was the victim’s mother who had called police, concerned over the welfare of her daughter.  However, Stenseng advised the officers that nothing had happened between her and her boyfriend (suspect).  Officers attempted to contact the suspect, but no one would answer the door to the apartment.  Stenseng stated that she was leaving and officers observed her drive from the scene.  Other than a restraining order violation, officers did not have probable cause to believe any other crime had occurred.   The suspect could be charged with the restraining order violation at a later time.

At one time, the suspect had two hunting. assault style knives.

On the same date at approximately 12:30 pm, the department received a call from a neighbor claiming the suspect had been yelling and throwing things outside the apartment.  The caller also observed the suspect with a large knife stabbing a wooden post outside the apartment.  The manner in which the suspect was yelling led the caller to believe the victim was in the apartment.  He was therefore concerned for her safety.

Officers were dispatched to the scene.  Upon arrival, responding officers were unable to locate anyone outside the apartment.  They could not find the victim, but did locate her vehicle, a gold Cadillac, which was back in the parking lot outside the apartment.  Based on information from the caller, and the fact that victim’s car was in the parking lot, the officers had reason to believe the victim was in the apartment and may be in danger.

Officers put together an entry team of four officers and attempted to make contact at the apartment.  After several tries and not getting a response, the decision was made to forcibly open the door to check on persons inside.  Soon after getting the door opened, but prior to getting inside, officers observed the male suspect start to run toward the door with a knife in each hand.  Several commands to “get down” and possibly “drop the knife” were given to the suspect.  The suspect quickly ran toward the officers while holding the knives in a high position.  One officer had to deflect the suspect with a ballistic shield as he ran past him and toward Officer Vincent Gallerani.  Officer Gallerani was unable to retreat before the suspect was upon him.  Thinking the first officer had been injured and he was about to be stabbed, Officer Gallerani fired three shots at very close range, striking the suspect at least two times.  The suspect immediately fell while still holding the knives.  The first officer then kicked the knives out of the suspect’s hands.  See attached photos.

After the shooting, it was learned that Stenseng was safe in a nearby apartment with another resident.  No one else was located in the suspect’s apartment.

The rifle used in the shooting was a Heckler and Kock (HK), model 416, .223 caliber rifle.  It is a department owned SWAT issued rifle.

During the follow-up investigation, threatening comments directed at Stenseng were found posted on social media by the suspect.  One comment indicated that he would kill Stenseng.

The suspect was a 42 year old white male wearing a black t-shirt, khaki pants, and body armor, the type one might wear for dirt bike riding or paint ball games.  He had shoulder pads and a breast pad, elbow pads, and shin guards on.  He was also wearing furry Ugg boots.  Suspect was later pronounced dead at the hospital.  We are withholding the suspect’s name until released by the Coroner’s office.

“It is always unfortunate when an officer has to use deadly force and it is a very emotional experience for any officer who is put in this situation,” stated Police Chief Mark Beckner.  “We are very thankful none of our officers were injured by this attack.  Additionally, our condolences go out to the suspect’s family for their loss.  From what we know right now, it appears as though the officers took reasonable measures to protect everyone’s safety, but were forced into a very difficult and life threatening situation.”

The officer who fired the shots is Officer Vincent Gallerani, a 14 year veteran of the department.  Officer Gallerani is a team leader on the department’s SWAT team and well trained in officer safety and entry techniques.  Officer Gallerani received a Chief’s Commendation earlier this year for his role in successfully handling an incident at the police department involving an individual who appeared might have an explosive device.

The officer who used a shield to defend himself from attack is Officer Nick Smetzer, a 12 year veteran and also a member of the SWAT team.  Other officers in the immediate area at the time of the shooting were Officer Ryan Lord, a 13 year veteran, and Officer Jenny Paddock, also a 17 year veteran of the department.

The Boulder County Investigative Team is continuing the investigation and will present its results to the Boulder County District Attorney once completed.  Officer Gallerani will remain on paid leave pending the completion of the investigation.

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