EPSO identifies man killed in police-involved shooting

(EL PASO COUNTY, Colorado) – The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) has released the identity of a man killed in a police-involved shooting on the Southeast Side on Saturday, May 18.

Michael Hurst, a 40-year-old man, was killed after police attempted to conduct a welfare check following reports of a suicidal man armed with a gun.

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) originally responded to a welfare check shortly after 10:30 p.m. Saturday in the 4200 block of Deerfield Hills Road, on the southeast side near the intersection of South Academy Boulevard and Hancock Expressway.

When officers arrived, more shots were fired from the home into the surrounding neighborhood. According to CSPD, Hurst exited the front door of the home with a gun before tactical units could respond, and attempts to get him to drop the weapon failed.

CSPD said at least one officer fired his weapon, hitting Hurst. Officers provided medical aid and Hurst was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No officers or community members were injured in the incident.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigative agency and once the investigation is complete, it will be forwarded to the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office per Deadly Force Investigation Team policy.

For a list of mental health resources in Southern Colorado, click here: Let’s Talk Mental Health: Sponsors, Resources & Forums.

The National Suicide Hotline, a prevention network of over 200 crisis centers, is available 24/7 on 988.