By Jacob Richards
In a 37-page letter, 21st Judicial District Attorney Dan Rubenstein declined to press charges against Officers Tim Long and Zach Diaz, finding that the use of deadly force was legally justified.
“…The evidence does not establish that either Officer Diaz or Officer Long committed a criminal offense. Their use of deadly physical force was legally justified in defense of themselves and others. No criminal charges will be filed against either officer,” wrote Rubenstein.
Wilson was shot June 19, in the parking lot of the Dairy Queen located at 7th Street and North Avenue, after suffering what witnesses described as a mental health crisis which escalated when a bystander started hitting her with a chair and was cut by Wilson with a pocket knife.
Police arrived at 6:30pm, and a few frantic seconds later officers fired 11 shots into her vehicle as she attempted to flee.
Bystander videos published by The Revolutionist and the Colorado Times Recorder, show officers firing their weapons 11 times into her vehicle, and towards busy North Avenue traffic.
Wounded, Wilson then headed west in the eastbound lane, striking a vehicle, and succumbed to her wounds a few blocks later in a three-vehicle collision.
Questions remain regarding GJPD use of force policies, specifically on firing into fleeing vehicles, and officers attempts at deescalation.
Expect more in-depth reporting in the coming days.