Silver Plume, Colo. — A former Colorado sheriff’s deputy is awaiting sentencing after being found liable in a wrongful death case involving the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Christian Glass, who was experiencing a mental health crisis. The incident, which occurred after the stricken motorist had called for roadside assistance in a small mountain town in June 2022, raised significant questions about law enforcement responses to mental health emergencies.
The former Clear Creek County deputy, Andrew Buen, along with another deputy not involved in the final shooting decision, faced a federal civil trial. The jury concluded Buen and another sergeant, Kyle Gould, violated Glass’s constitutional rights, leading to their conviction. Gould, who authorized Buen to shoot Glass, is scheduled for a separate criminal trial.
Glass, stranded and visibly distressed after his vehicle became stuck, was described as paranoid and scared during the interaction documented in over an hour of body camera footage. Despite initially non-threatening, his behavior reportedly turned erratic, culminating in him brandishing a knife in the confined space of his car. This action triggered the law enforcement’s lethal response.
The lawsuit filed by Glass’s parents against the officers underscored a failure in adequately managing a person under a mental health crisis. The suit, which led to a $19 million payout to the Glass family, and their arrest spurred changes within local police protocols concerning interactions with mentally ill individuals.
Experts in police procedure and mental health crises testified during the proceedings, pointing out the missed opportunities for de-escalation and the apparent lack of appropriate response training among the officers involved. They criticized the rapid escalation to lethal force in a situation where the individual had not directly threatened anyone other than himself.
The case spotlights ongoing national concerns over law enforcement’s preparedness and strategies in handling incidents involving mental health issues. In response to public outcry following the incident, Clear Creek County has introduced new training programs aimed at improving how officers manage similar crises in the future.
Pending the final sentencing of Buen, which is expected to address not only the legal violations but also broader implications for law enforcement standards, the community and advocates continue to push for reforms. These include increased transparency, accountability, and an emphasis on non-lethal methods of engagement in situations involving mental health crises.
The sentencing of Andrew Buen will mark a pivotal point for law enforcement practices in Colorado, as both the community and national watchers await the final decision. Legal analysts suggest that this case may influence future law enforcement training and engagement strategies nationwide, highlighting the essential balance between maintaining public safety and respecting the mental and emotional well-being of those they encounter.