Boulder Grocery Store Shooting: Officer's Actions Justified

BOULDER, CO — The officer who fired his gun and injured the Boulder shooting suspect has been cleared of any wrong doing, the 20th Judicial District Attorney's Office announced Thursday.

The district's Critical Incident Team investigated Boulder Police Officer Richard Steidell's actions under standard procedure, and determined he was justified in his shooting.

The suspect fired shots at police before Steidell opened fire, the DA's office said.

"The investigation determined that one of Officer Steidell's shots struck the armed individual in the right thigh," the office said in a news release.

"Officer Steidell believed that the use of force was required to prevent an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to himself or another peace officer. His beliefs were both objectively reasonable and, upon further review, correct."

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“I appreciate that the Boulder County Investigation Team conducted an independent and thorough review," District Attorney Michael Dougherty said in a statement.

"The integrity and outcome of these investigations are important to everyone involved and to our community. This investigation has certainly highlighted the bravery of Officer Steidell and his fellow officers who took such courageous action by charging into an incredibly dangerous and deadly situation.”

Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, 21, is accused of opening fire at the King Soopers grocery store March 22 and killing 10 people. He faces more than 50 charges.

Boulder police Officer Eric Talley was the first officer to arrive at the store, and he was shot to death, officials said. Nine other people — including three grocery store employees — were also killed.

If convicted of the crimes, Alissa faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Colorado's death penalty was repealed last year.