BOULDER, Colo. (KDVR) — The officer who shot the alleged Boulder grocery store shooting suspect has been cleared of any wrong doing after the District Attorney found that his actions were justified.
The DA has been investigating Officer Richard Steidell’s actions since the shooting on March 22, which is standard procedure.
“Prior to discharging his weapon, Officer Steidell had, along with other members of a second entry group, been fired upon. The investigation determined that one of Officer Steidell’s shots struck the armed individual in the right thigh. Officer Steidell believed that the use of force was required to prevent an imminent threat of serious bodily injury to himself or another peace officer. His beliefs were both objectively reasonable and, upon further review, correct. This, Officer Steidell was justified in using force,” a report from the DA’s office said.
No other civilians were shot or killed after Officer Steidell shot the suspect, and the investigation determined that Steidell was the only officer who fired at the suspect.
“Officer Steidell’s shots were the last ones fired by anyone inside the King Soopers on March 22nd. The shooting ended with shots by Officer Steidell,” the report said.
Steidell’s actions were, according to the DA, heroic.
“This investigation has certainly highlighted the bravery of Officer Steidell and his fellow officers who took such courageous action by charging into an incredibly dangerous and deadly situation,” District Attorney Michael Dougherty said.