Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) has released new body-worn camera footage that provides a clearer view of the July 2024 officer-involved shooting, which left the armed suspect, Clayton Pierce, dead. As per the City of Fort Collins, the incident was spurred by a rollover crash at a Fort Collins intersection on July 21, leading to a violent confrontation after Pierce emerged from his vehicle wielding what appeared to be a rifle.
When officers responded to the crash reports, witnesses informed them about Pierce’s possession of the firearm. The situation escalated when Pierce pointed his rifle at the officers, prompting an exchange of gunfire that left a Fort Collins officer wounded. After fleeing towards Grandview Cemetery, Pierce raised his weapon once more and was subsequently shot by the police. "An armed suspect who shot one of our officers certainly posed an unpredictable threat to the rest of the community," FCPS Chief Jeff Swoboda stated, as noted by the City of Fort Collins.
The officers involved were commended for their professionalism and the thorough level of their training, which was highlighted in the video evidence. The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) investigated the incident which concluded with the District Attorney justifying the officers' use of force. The weapons Pierce had on him were identified as "ghost guns," lacking serial numbers, which complicates efforts to trace their origins and possession history. “Our officers thought they were responding to a vehicle crash, but because of vital information provided by witnesses, they were made aware the driver was armed and that a broader public threat existed,” Swoboda said, as obtained by the City of Fort Collins.
FCPS has been forthright in its efforts to maintain community trust, ensuring transparency through the release of these videos. No bystanders were hurt during the ordeal, and the injured officer's condition has been on the upswing. The FCPS also expressed gratitude to Larimer County Sheriff’s and Colorado State University Campus Police personnel for their assistance.
