Beth McCann

District Attorney

Second Judical District

370 17th Street, Suite 5300,
Denver, CO 80202

720-913-2000
Beth.McCann@denverda.org

News Release

July 6, 2021 Contact: Carolyn Tyler, Communications Director, carolyn.tyler@denverda.org, 720-913-9025

District Attorney McCann Issues Officer-Involved Shooting Letter

Investigation and Decision Re May 19, 2021 Shooting of Raul Rosas-Zarsosa

DENVER—Denver District Attorney Beth McCann’s legal review of the officer-involved shooting of 52-year old Raul Rosas-Zarsosa that occurred on May 19, 2021 on Federal Boulevard at Harvard Avenue in Denver is complete. DA McCann concluded that the shooting was legally justified and that no criminal charges are warranted against Denver Police Department Officer Katie Phillips for the reasons outlined in the letter.

“Attempts to stop Raul Rosas-Zarsosa first with pepper balls and then with a Taser had no effect,” said DA McCann. “Raul Rosas-Zarsosa was advancing toward these officers armed with a knife and got within approximately 12 feet of them before he was shot. I conclude that not only was this shooting legally justified, Officer Phillips and her fellow officer demonstrated DPD training to use less lethal means to stop the threat before using deadly force.”

DA McCann will present and discuss her conclusions about officer-involved shooting incident of during a community meeting that will be announced at a future date.

DA McCann’s decision letter to Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen is available for review.

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