04/23/2020--Law enforcement continues to investigate an officer-involved shooting occurring in Baca County on April 22, 2020.
Just after 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening, members of the Baca County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) were called to a residence near County Road 20 and County Road PP on a call of an armed suspect allegedly making threats.
A member of the BCSO worked to negotiate with the armed individual, Christopher Lawson, age 31, at the property into the evening.
Just after 8:30 p.m., Lawson was shot after allegedly pointing a firearm at responding officers. He was later pronounced deceased after receiving immediate medical attention at the scene. No members of law enforcement were injured.
Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) agents were requested to investigate the incident along with the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, members of the CBI’s crime scene response team processed the scene throughout the evening and into Thursday.
The BCSO member involved in the incident is not being named at this time.
This is an ongoing investigation. Information will be released as it becomes available.
Other area law enforcement and support agencies responded to the scene to provide assistance during the incident:
- Colorado State Patrol
- Springfield Police Department
- Springfield EMS
- Prowers County Sheriff’s Office
- Colorado Division of Wildlife
- Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team (en route to scene when incident concluded)