Colorado Bureau of Investigation to investigate shooting by Meeker cop

Staff Report
Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado
April 1, 2008

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MEEKER , Colorado — The Colorado Bureau of Investigation will investigate a Meeker police officer’s fatal shooting of a man reportedly involved in a domestic disturbance at a motel.

Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s officials say the officer was responding to the Valley Motel on a domestic disturbance call around 5:45 a.m. Friday when he fired his weapon at a man, who died at the scene.

The officer was placed on routine administrative leave while the investigation into the shooting continues. Rio Blanco County Coroner Randall Cochran identified Chris A. Boudreaux, 35, of Meeker, as the man who died from the officer’s single shot to the chest.

The officer’s name and other details of what happened were not released.

“It’s not unusual for CBI to be requested to pursue an investigation on behalf of a city,” said CBI spokesman Lance Clem.

He said CBI can’t estimate how long the investigation will take. CBI plans to investigate everything about the incident, including the appropriateness of the lethal use of force.

The first time Meeker police shot anyone was in July 2006. An officer shot a juvenile male that fired on two officers. The suspect was shot in the leg but survived, according to Michael Joos, Rio Blanco County Undersheriff.

In December 2004, a Rio Blanco County sheriff’s sergeant shot and killed a gunman after a short pursuit after the gunman jumped from his truck and pointed a shotgun at pursuing vehicles. Before that, the last officer-involved shooting in Rio Blanco County was in Rangely in 1980, according to Joos.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Post Independent, Glenwood Springs Colorado CO