Death by Cop 2021-2025
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Miguel Tapia
Gender : Transgender
Age : 52
Race : Latino/a/e
Date : 06/16/2024
Location : N Broadway and Lawrence Street
City : Denver
County : Denver
State : Colorado
Agency : Denver Police Department
Officer(s) :Not Disclosed
Cause of Death : Gunshot
Event : Killed by police during "woman with a gun" call
OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :
On June 16, 2024, at approximately 11:45 a.m., Denver police officers responded to reports of a person standing in the intersection of Broadway and Lawrence Street, holding a large hunting-style knife. Upon arrival, officers observed 52-year-old Miguel Tapia, who presented as a transgender woman, carrying several bags. Despite commands to drop the knife, Tapia advanced toward the officers, prompting them to deploy Tasers twice, both of which were ineffective. Subsequently, officers discharged their firearms, fatally wounding Tapia. The knife recovered from the scene had a blade approximately seven inches long.
The officers involved were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the Colorado State Patrol conducted the investigation, which was overseen by the Denver District Attorney’s Office. On August 14, 2024, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann announced that no charges would be filed against the officers, stating that their use of deadly force was justified given the imminent threat posed by Tapia.
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The Denver Police Department released body-worn camera footage of the incident to provide transparency. The footage shows officers issuing commands to Tapia, who then draws the knife and advances toward them, leading to the officers' decision to use deadly force.
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In the aftermath, community members raised concerns about the handling of the situation, particularly regarding the use of less-lethal methods and the presence of mental health professionals. The Denver Police Department stated that the presence of the knife and the immediate threat to officers' safety made the use of deadly force necessary.
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As of the latest reports, the Denver Police Department continues to cooperate with ongoing investigations and is committed to providing updates as more information becomes available.
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NUMBER OF CASUALTIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER: 1 fatality
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Last update: December 1, 2024
SOURCE LINKS :
https://kdvr.com/news/local/denver-police-woman-with-knife-was-aggressive-before-deadly-shooting/
https://www.denver7.com/news/front-range/denver/denver-da-explains-decision-not-to-file-charges-against-officers-in-deadly-police-shooting-of-miguel-tapia
https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/transgender-person-who-brandished-knife-killed-by-police-after-tasers-failed-to-stop-them-dpd-says
https://denverite.com/2024/06/25/dpd-needs-help-finding-family-friends-of-person-shot-by-police/
https://kdvr.com/news/local/denver-da-no-charges-for-officers-after-deadly-shooting-on-broadway/
https://www.allsides.com/news/2024-06-25-1916/general-news-denver-police-release-video-fatal-shooting-officers-five-points
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzWhAnIrgnQ
