Colorado Springs police released new details and body-worn camera footage after an officer fatally shot a 41-year-old man who allegedly ran at police with a knife while experiencing a mental health crisis.
Three Colorado Springs Police Department officers responded to the 5100 block of Prairie Grass Lane on Oct. 7 after a resident called 911 about their roommate making suicidal statements, holding a knife and having blood on his hands and face, Cmdr. Patrick David said in a video update posted on the city’s website.
The roommate with the knife was later identified as Matthew Kemper.
Officers were talking to a second roommate outside when the first roommate called 911 again and said Kemper started cutting himself again and was acting erratically.
Body-worn cameras on two of the three officers at the scene did not record during the start of the incident, which police officials believe was a “technical failure” and are investigating, David said.
Edited body-worn camera footage of the incident shows the officers opening the door to the house and announcing themselves, with one officer stating “He’s got blood all over his face.”
One officer tells the roommate to come outside, and seconds later the officer is heard saying “No, no, no, stay, stop!” before firing his gun four times.
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Colorado Springs police identified the officer who shot Kemper as Noah Bartron, a patrol officer in the Stetson Hills division who has worked for the department for more than 2 years.
Police were trying to remove the roommate from the home because of safety concerns and de-escalate the situation when Kemper “rushed the officers with the knife,” David said.
Officers began life-saving measures before an ambulance arrived, and Kemper was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Suicide prevention resources
Colorado Crisis Line: 1-844-493-8255, coloradocrisisservices.org. Chat online or text TALK to 38255.
Mental Health First Aid: mhfaco.org. Get trained to recognize the signs and how to respond.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: afsp.org. Join one of their upcoming walks for awareness in Colorado.
Crisis Text Line: crisistextline.org. Text 741741 from anywhere in the nation to reach a counselor.
Second Wind Fund: thesecondwindfund.org. Links students to mental health professionals and pays for up to 12 counseling sessions.
The shooting is being investigated by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and will be presented to the Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges should be filed.
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