The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday the use of force exhibited during the June 4, 2024, officer-involved shooting in Colorado Springs was justified.

Michael Martinez, 33, was shot at least four times by El Paso County sheriff’s deputies after ignoring commands. He would go on to steal an unmarked agency vehicle to flee.

Around 10 a.m. on June 4, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a motor vehicle theft in the 4300 block of Chamberlin South. According to the reporting party, Martinez had a gun and started to become physical with a male relative while trying to steal a motorcycle.

When deputies arrived, they learned Martinez had “forced” his way into a residence. With him were two females, including his grandmother who requires assistance to walk, according to law enforcement.

After deputies issued several commands to exit the residence, Martinez came to the front door, positioning his grandmother between himself and law enforcement. Officers said commands to release the woman and walk out of the home were ignored.

After refusing to let his grandmother go, Martinez was shot by one of the deputies with a foam round, causing him to release the woman and take off running into the street.

During his attempt to flee, law enforcement says they saw that Martinez was armed with a weapon.

In post-shooting interviews, Sgt. Jared Harmon stated he could see the firearm after Martinez’s jacket came off as he began running.

According to the report, once Martinez made his way to the street, he aimed his firearm at deputies. In response, Harmon and deputy Chad Johnson fired a combined total of 21 shots, at least four of which struck Martinez.

Despite being hit, Martinez continued running down the street, eventually shooting out the window of an unmarked and unoccupied sheriff’s vehicle and climbing inside.

Martinez drove the stolen vehicle to the 1600 block of Lenmar Drive, where he was later taken into custody. He receiving medical treatment for his injuries and was charged with assault, kidnapping and motor vehicle theft.

State law requires law enforcement officers to attempt nonlethal methods of deescalation, which the District Attorney’s Office says deputies did when they issued multiple verbal commands to Martinez and fired a foam round.

Harmon and Johnson will not face charges, the District Attorney’s Office confirmed.

Martinez’s case is still pending. His next court date is Feb. 19.

The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s report on the use of force decision is available here: