DENVER — All but one law enforcement officer involved in a controversial 2022 shooting in Colorado have had their charges dropped, according to recent updates. The dismissed misdemeanor charges were against officers Tim Collins, Brittany Morrow, and Ryan Bennie, who were accused of not intervening during the standoff that resulted in the death of Christian Glass. Instead of facing trial, these officers agreed to create a training video discussing the incident’s failings, confirmed by Fifth Judicial District Attorney Heidi McCollum.
The case involved six officers initially charged in 2023 for not intervening to prevent former Clear Creek Sheriff’s Office Deputy Andrew Buen’s actions that led to Glass’s fatal shooting. The incident gained national attention and intensified the dialogue surrounding law enforcement’s handling of mental health situations. Buen faced two trials; the first ended with a misdemeanor conviction for endangering other officers by opening fire. Ultimately, in a second trial, he was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and sentenced to three years, the maximum possible for the charge.
Prosecutors decided to dismiss the charges against Collins, Morrow, and Bennie due to the verdict, the burden of additional trials on Glass’s family, and the strain on the local community, which numbers around 10,000 people. As part of their agreement, the officers participated in creating a training video based on their experience. This video aims to be a national resource for law enforcement agencies already utilizing body camera footage of the Glass incident as an example of crisis mismanagement.
“If the video can save even one life or prevent another officer from making a fatal mistake, then dismissing these cases is justifiable,” McCollum stated, emphasizing the potential positive impact of the educational initiative.
One officer still faces charges related to failing to intervene along with third-degree assault. McCollum has refrained from discussing potential plea deals for this individual. Siddhartha Rathod, representing Glass’s parents, applauded McCollum’s innovative approach to justice and community safety.
In a related development, charges were also dropped against two officers from the state’s gaming division in December. A judge determined the applicable law did not pertain to them, stemming from legislation enacted after George Floyd’s death in 2020. Moreover, Buen’s supervisor has admitted guilt to the charge of failing to intervene, marking another closure in this complex legal saga.