Denver DA Issues Officer-Involved Shooting Decision Letter

DENVER—Denver DA Beth McCann today announced that after reviewing the officer-involved shooting incident from November 28, 2022, no criminal charges will be filed against the Denver Police Department officer who shot Mr. Daniel Cheeseman. DA McCann concluded that the officer who shot Cheeseman in the sally port of the Denver Detention Center accurately assessed the danger of the situation and acted reasonably in response. His actions were justified pursuant to Colorado law.

That evening Denver police officers transported Cheeseman to the Downtown Detention Center. Cheeseman had been arrested on several charges and was in handcuffs in the back of a police vehicle. When officers opened the door to their patrol car to walk him into the jail, Cheeseman allegedly produced a handgun he had hidden on his body and began firing, shooting one officer in the neck. The injured officer was transported to Denver Health Medical Center and treated for his injuries. During the incident, another officer returned gun fire.

DA McCann’s decision letter to Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas is available for review. Because of the criminal case pending against Cheeseman, no community meeting will be held to discuss this incident so as to ensure the defendant’s right to a fair trial. Cheeseman’s case number in Denver District Court is 22CR6588.

About the Denver DA’s Office:
Our mission is to professionally and competently prosecute crimes and investigate criminal activity on behalf of the people of the State of Colorado and to seek equal justice for all in the criminal justice system. Our mission includes the prevention and deterrence of crimes, support of the well-being of victims, participation in the community, transparency, accountability, and improvement of the criminal justice system to provide fair alternatives to incarceration in appropriate cases.

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