The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office announced on April 7 that an officer-involved shooting occurred late on April 4 near the 1200 block of North Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs. The incident involved members of a Metro Task Force, including officers from the Colorado Springs Police Department and a deputy from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, officers observed a suspicious vehicle occupied by an adult female and an adult male driver who was known to law enforcement. After identifying themselves as police, officers attempted to make contact with the occupants. The male driver tried to flee but his vehicle became immobilized.
Officers gave repeated verbal commands for both occupants to exit the vehicle. The female passenger complied and was detained at the scene. Authorities said that the male suspect refused commands and fired at least one shot toward task force members. In response, three Colorado Springs Police Department officers discharged their weapons, striking the suspect.
The suspect, identified by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office as 40-year-old Benjamin Greenfield, was removed from the vehicle after being shot and received medical aid before being transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. No other community members or law enforcement personnel were injured during this incident. A firearm was recovered inside Greenfield’s vehicle.
The sheriff’s office reported that while investigation into the female passenger’s involvement is ongoing, she was arrested and booked into jail on an unrelated outstanding warrant.
In line with Colorado Revised Statute 16-2.5-301, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is leading this investigation. The involved CSPD officers have been placed on administrative leave according to department policy while further details will be released as appropriate.