Alex Martinez-Sarmiento dies in fatal downtown Colorado Springs police shooting
Fatal downtown Colorado Springs police shooting death of Alex Martinez-Sarmiento
El Paso County officials confirmed Saturday morning that Alex Martinez-Sarmiento, a 26-year-old man, was killed during a police encounter in the downtown area. Martinez-Sarmiento was pronounced dead at the scene by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
Law enforcement was dispatched following reports that Martinez-Sarmiento had allegedly shown a weapon near downtown nightclubs as they were closing, around 1:45 a.m. Police confirmed they observed his description and a possible weapon via surveillance footage. When officers arrived at East Pikes Peak Avenue near Tejon Street, Martinez-Sarmiento reportedly tried to flee while reaching for his waistband. One officer discharged their weapon, striking Martinez-Sarmiento. Emergency medical procedures were administered on the scene but proved unsuccessful. Authorities seized a firearm at the location.
The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office in the coming days. No other individuals sustained injuries in the incident. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave with pay. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation under Colorado state law. According to department policy, body-worn camera video evidence will be released within 21 days.
This event represents the second officer-involved shooting in Colorado Springs police jurisdiction within the past two weeks. On June 23, gunfire erupted between officers and a suspect in the eastern part of the city. This brings the total number of such incidents by the Colorado Springs Police Department to six this year, as reported by a department representative.
