A former sheriff’s deputy in Silver Plume, Colorado, was convicted of reckless endangerment in the shooting death of a 22-year-old man named Christian Glass, who had called 911 for assistance after his car became stuck in a remote mountain community in 2022. Despite facing charges of second-degree murder and official misconduct, the former deputy, Andrew Buen, was found guilty only of reckless endangerment by the jury, with potential jail time of up to four months, reported The Denver Post.
Prosecutors alleged that Buen needlessly escalated the confrontation with Glass, who was exhibiting signs of a mental health crisis. On the other hand, the defence argued that Buen acted to protect a fellow officer, justifying the shooting as lawful. Another officer involved in the case had previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, while six more officers faced charges for failing to intervene.
District Attorney Heidi McCollum has the option to pursue murder and official misconduct charges against Buen, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. The Glass family’s attorney expressed their desire for the prosecution to continue, emphasizing the importance of holding Buen accountable for his actions.
Christian Glass, in distress and showing signs of paranoia and delusions, called for help when his vehicle got stuck on a dirt road in Silver Plume. Body camera footage showed Glass making gestures and praying as officers attempted to get him out of the vehicle using non-lethal methods before Buen shot him five times.
During closing arguments, prosecutors highlighted Buen’s insistence on removing Glass from the vehicle and the use of force that ultimately led to the fatal shooting. The defense criticized the prosecution for overlooking potential underlying psychological issues that may have influenced Glass’s behavior during the encounter with law enforcement.
Glass’s mother revealed that her son had depression and ADHD, noting that he was in the midst of a mental health episode during the confrontation. Chief Deputy District Attorney Stephen Potts emphasized the need for a more compassionate approach towards individuals in crisis situations, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their distress. The case has sparked discussions about crisis intervention and police reform in the community and beyond.