Denver Police ID Suspect In Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting

DENVER, CO—The Denver Police Department has identified the suspect involved in Friday's deadly officer-involved shooting. He is 21-year-old William Lamont Debose, police said during a news conference.

According to police, Debose was shot and killed by a long-time officer with the department. After trying to run from officers, police said he pulled out a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at police.

"That officer, then at that point, drew his weapon and fired four rounds at the individual. The individual was struck multiple times and fell to the ground," police said during the news conference. "The subject dropped the handgun and officers immediately rendered medical aid."

Debose was transported a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries. None of the officers involved in the incident were injured, police said. A weapon was recovered from the scene.

"Investigators recovered a loaded semi-automatic 9mm handgun," police said. "The handgun was recovered in the immediate area where the subject fell. Officers involved in this incident were wearing body cameras, and the cameras were activated."

The officer who fired his weapon is a corporal with the department’s gang unit and has been with Denver police since 2005. In his 15 years with the department, police said this was his first officer-involved shooting. He was placed on a modified duty status as the investigation continues.

Prior to the shooting, around 10:22 p.m., officers said they observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed on on Interstate 25. A police helicopter began tracking the vehicle as it exited the interstate and onto West Colfax Avenue, where ground units were able to make a traffic stop.

"The vehicle pulled over. It was at that time that a passenger who was in the rear of the vehicle exited the car with his hands in the air. When that passenger exited the vehicle, the vehicle again took off westbound," police said.

Police eventually caught up to the vehicle again thanks to the police helicopter that continued to track it from above. Police said the shooting happened around 11 p.m. after Debose and a woman got out of their stopped vehicle in the parking lot of the Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library near West Colfax Avenue and Irving Street.

"The officers gave commands, asking both parties to put their hands in the air. They both complied initially. The male [Dubose] immediately took off running northbound and heading back to his vehicle," police said.

That's when officers chased him, and the shots were fired.

"We are still looking for the female involved in this," police said during the news conference. "We believe we know who she is. We are working to track her down and get a statement. However, we do not anticipate charges against that individual at this time."

After interviewing the passenger who exited the vehicle during the initial stop, police said he is not facing any criminal charges. They said he cooperated with the investigation and has since been released.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who has information, including videos of photos of the incident, is asked to contact the Denver Police Department or Crimestoppers.

VIDEO: News conference on officer-involved shooting

Don't miss the latest news updates in Colorado. Sign up for free Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.