In a Colorado courtroom on Wednesday, prosecutors implored jurors to find former Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Buen guilty of murder and related charges. The charges stem from the 2022 shooting death of Christian Glass, a 22-year-old man who was experiencing a mental health crisis.
According to the prosecution, Buen needlessly escalated the standoff with Glass, who had called 911 for help after his SUV became stuck on a dirt road. Officers’ body camera footage captured Glass making heart shapes with his hands and praying to God. Despite Glass’s apparent distress and lack of threat, Buen repeatedly ordered him to exit his vehicle.
After bean bag rounds and Tasers proved ineffective, Glass flung a knife out of his broken window toward another officer. Buen responded by firing five shots at Glass, who prosecutors maintain never posed an imminent threat.
The defense argued that Buen was justified in using deadly force to protect his fellow officer. However, District Attorney Heidi McCollum countered that Glass was merely reacting to the aggressive tactics used against him.
Buen faces charges of second-degree murder, official misconduct, and reckless endangerment. The trial has drawn national attention and has sparked calls for police reforms to address the appropriate use of force and the handling of individuals in crisis.
