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Killing of Christian Glass

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Killing of Christian Glass
LocationClear Creek County, Colorado, U.S.
DateJune 10-11, 2022
≈ 12:30 am (MDT; UTC−6)
Attack type
Homicide by shooting, police brutality
VictimChristian Glass, aged 22
Perpetrators
  • Andrew Buen (shooter)
  • Kyle Gould
AccusedSix other officers charged with failing to intervene, charges dismissed
ChargesBuen: Gould:
Criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment[b]
SentenceBuen:
3 years in prison
Gould:
2 years probation
LitigationLawsuit by Glass's family against several Colorado local governments settled for $19 million
VerdictBuen:
First trial:
  • Hung jury on murder and official misconduct
  • Guilty of reckless endangerment

Second trial:
Guilty on the lesser included offense of criminally negligent homicide

Gould:
Pleaded guilty to failing to intervene, other charges dropped
ConvictionsBuen:
Criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment
Gould:
Failing to intervene

The killing of Christian Glass occurred on June 11, 2022, in Silver Plume, Colorado, when Glass, a 22-year-old triple citizen of the United States, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom,[2] was shot and killed by Clear Creek County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Buen. Glass had called 911 for roadside assistance after his vehicle became stuck, but a 70-minute standoff ensued after he exhibited signs of a mental health crisis and refused to exit his car.

In the aftermath of the shooting, eight law enforcement officers were criminally charged. In November 2023, former sergeant Kyle Gould pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of failing to intervene and failing to report the use of force. In February 2025, former deputy Andrew Buen, who fired the fatal shots, was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment. He was sentenced to three years in prison, the maximum penalty allowed for the offense. Charges against six other responding officers were dismissed or dropped with conditions.

In May 2023, the Glass family reached a US$19 million settlement with the state of Colorado and local municipalities. The agreement mandated significant law enforcement reforms.

Incident

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911 call

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Glass called 911 at approximately 11:20 pm on June 10, 2022. In his nearly 25 minute call with the 911 operator, Glass said that "My vehicle got stuck in a really bad way. … I need immediate assistance, please", adding "I will not be fine on my own." He told her that his vehicle was stuck in a trap, that he was coming off of a depression, and he was worried about "skinwalkers". He said that "If I got out of the car, I might be in danger," and that he loved her being on the line with him while he was frightened.[3]

He also told the 911 operator that he had two knives, a hammer and a rubber mallet in the car, which he had as an amateur geologist. He said he would throw them out of the car as soon as the police arrived. He stated "I’m not dangerous. I will keep my hands completely visible. I understand this is a dodgy situation."[4][5][6]

When relaying the call information to the police forces, the 911 operator described Glass as "very paranoid" and "not making much sense". Later on, the officers on the scene can be heard referring to a possible "psych issue".[3]

Attempts to get Glass out of the vehicle

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The episode was recorded on police body-cams. When the police arrived, they directed Glass to get out of the car, with their hands on their guns. Glass refused, saying that he was "terrified".[7][8] He repeated the offer to throw the knives and mallet out of the car, but a Clear County deputy, Andrew Buen, told him not to and directed him to get out of the car.[9] Glass put the keys to the vehicle on the dashboard and kept his hands visible. He threw a knife to the other side of the car.[7]

For the next 70 minutes, the police tried to get Glass to get out of the vehicle. He said that staying in the vehicle was the only way he could be safe. More police officers arrived, until eventually officers from five different services were present, including police from Georgetown and Idaho Springs, and the Colorado State Patrol. At one point, an officer threatened to break the window of the car. Glass was seen praying with folded hands, saying "Dear Lord, please, don't let them break the window." After close to an hour, Glass was seen making a "heart" symbol with his hands towards the officer, and blowing kisses. A female voice was heard saying "Same back at you, but come on out and talk to us."[4][7][8][6]

At some point, there was a conversation between the county police officers and officers of the Colorado State Patrol who had arrived on the scene. The Patrol officer asked them what "their plan is", adding "if he’s committed no crime and is not suicidal, homicidal, or a great danger, then there is no reason to contact him." The officers on the scene continued to try to get Glass out of his vehicle.[7][4][6]

Police kill Glass

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After approximately 70 minutes, an officer states that they will break into Glass's vehicle, saying: "It’s time to move the night on — OK. We got to move." Buen smashed the front window of the car. Another officer stood on the hood of the vehicle, shining a flashlight on Glass.[10] The officers are heard telling Glass to drop the knife. They then shot him with bean-bags and he began to flail about in the vehicle. An officer is heard saying "Someone tase his ass. Someone tase him!"[4][7][6]

Buen then shot Glass with a stun gun. Glass began shouting hysterically, "Lord hear me. Lord hear me". An officer is then heard saying: "You can save yourself. You can still save yourself." After repeating requests to drop the knife, Deputy Buen then shot Glass with a handgun at least five times. Glass then appeared to turn toward an officer with a small knife in his hand and began stabbing himself before dropping the knife. The body-cam footage does not show Glass ever moving from the driver seat of the vehicle.[11]

Aftermath

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Initial narratives and family response

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On June 11, 2022, the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office issued a statement that the motorist was "argumentative and uncooperative" and had armed himself with a knife. It stated that the officers tried for over an hour to reach a peaceful resolution, before the deputies broke out the windows and removed a knife. Referring to Glass as "the suspect", it said that he re-armed himself with another knife and a rock. It said that the deputies used a bean-bag and taser, and then shot Glass when he tried to stab an officer.[4][12][13]

Following the public release of body-worn camera footage in September 2022, Glass’s parents, Simon and Sally Glass, who had moved the family to the U.S. from New Zealand during Christian’s childhood, held a press conference labeling the killing a "murder."[14][15] They asserted that the initial police narrative was "false in almost every respect" and that the footage showed their son in a state of terror rather than aggression. Sally Glass noted that her son was a geology enthusiast who was taking prescription medication for ADHD, arguing that the presence of seven armed officers exacerbated his mental health crisis.[15][16] She also noted that Deputy Buen had remained on duty and armed following the shooting since June 13, 2022. Undersheriff Bruce Snelling confirmed on September 15 that Buen had returned to work.[3][17]

Official inquires and misconduct allegation

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The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Clear Creek County District Attorney Heidi McCollum launched an inquiry into the shooting shortly after the incident. McCollum coordinated with federal authorities, including the FBI and the Department of Justice, to monitor the case for potential civil rights violations.[4][8][16][17]

Attorneys for the Glass family announced a civil action against the involved agencies. They stated that Glass had no history of violent behavior or serious mental illness, though he had been diagnosed with ADHD and depression.[8][15] Additionally, they alleged that an officer tasked with investigating the scene had intentionally muted their body-worn camera.[6]

The Sheriff's Office initially stated that Deputy Buen had no history of misconduct. However, it was later revealed a 2019 lawsuit was filed by Manuel Camacho, who alleged that Buen used excessive force by placing him in a headlock and kneeling on his neck during an arrest. In February 2023, Clear Creek County settled Camacho’s claim for $15,000.[18][19]

Official Positions

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On September 2022, Clear Creek County Undersheriff Bruce Snelling defended the use of deadly force. Snelling stated that Deputy Andrew Buen fired his weapon because he believed Glass intended to stab an officer through the broken window of the vehicle after previous attempts to use a Taser had failed.[9]

Governor Jared Polis also met with the Glass family to express condolences, later issuing a statement declaring that the tragedy "should never have happened" and noting that the state of Colorado mourned the loss of Glass's life.[9]

Autopsy

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The coroner's report classified Glass's manner of death as a homicide and the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds. The autopsy identified six gunshot wounds to his torso and upper right arm, noting no evidence of close-range fire. Other documented injuries included puncture sites consistent with electroshock weapon barbs, as well as blunt force and superficial sharp force injuries to the head, neck, and extremities.[5]

Toxicology analysis detected a blood alcohol level of 0.010 and the presence of THC and amphetamines.[5] Dr. Andrew Monte, an emergency room physician and medical toxicologist who teaches at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, said that the amount of THC indicated that Glass had used marijuana shortly before his death. The amount of amphetamine was consistent with a prescription for ADHD.[16][20]

Civil settlement and memorials

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In May 2023, the Glass family reached a $19 million settlement with the state of Colorado, Clear Creek County, and the towns of Georgetown and Idaho Springs, the largest settlement for a police killing in Colorado history.[21]

The settlement also mandated significant policy reforms. The Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office was required to establish a crisis intervention co-responder program and provide de-escalation training to its entire force. Furthermore, the agreement led to the creation of a statewide training video and the dedication of a public park in Glass's honor. The state of Colorado also agreed to display Glass's artwork in government buildings as a memorial to his life.[22][23]

Criminal proceedings

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Criminal trials and convictions

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In November 2022, a grand jury indicted deputies Andrew Buen and Kyle Gould, both of whom were subsequently terminated.[14][24][25] Gould was not on scene when Glass was shot, but he authorized Buen's breaking of the window over the phone, according to the indictment.[26]

In November 2023, Kyle Gould pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors including failure to intervene and failure to report the use of force.[27][28] In exchange for the plea, charges of negligent homicide and reckless endangerment were dropped. He was sentenced to two years of probation, a $1000 fine, and was permanently stripped of his POST certification, barring him from working in law enforcement or security in Colorado.[29]

Andrew Buen, the officer who fired the fatal shots, faced charges of second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and official misconduct.[30] His initial trial in April 2024 resulted in a conviction for reckless endangerment, but the jury deadlocked on the murder and misconduct charges.[31] In February 2025, a jury found Buen guilty of criminally negligent homicide following a retrial.[31][32] On April 14, 2025, he was sentenced to three years in prison, the maximum penalty allowed for the offense.[33]

Charges against other officers

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On November 2023, six additional officers who responded to the scene were charged with misdemeanor failure to intervene: Randy Williams and Timothy Collins of the Georgetown Police; Ryan Bennie of the Colorado State Patrol; Brittany Morrow of the Idaho Springs Police; and Christa Lloyd and Mary Harris of the Colorado Gaming Commission. Williams also faced a charge of misdemeanor third-degree assault.[34]

By July 2025, the district attorney's office dismissed or dropped all charges against the six officers.[35] As a condition of their dismissals, Morrow, Collins, and Bennie completed critical incident training and participated in a statewide training video. In the video, the officers discussed de-escalation techniques, the failures that led to the shooting, and how to properly assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.[36][37]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Charge dismissed after hung jury in first trial.[1]
  2. ^ Charges dropped after plea deal.

References

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  1. ^ Vassallo, Marc (February 3, 2025). "Retrial for ex-deputy accused of shooting and killing Christian Glass in his parked car begins". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  2. ^ Sherry, Allison (September 27, 2022). "New Zealand and British governments ask for answers in Clear Creek County sheriff's killing". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  3. ^ a b c Hauser, Christine (September 15, 2022). "Prosecutors in Colorado Investigating Fatal Shooting of Man Who Called 911". The New York Times. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Stelloh, Tim (September 14, 2022). "Family of Colorado man who was shot after calling 911 wants officers charged in his death". NBC News. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c "Death of Christian Glass: parents demand justice 3 months after officers shoot, kill 22-year-old who was in distress". KCNC-TV. CBS News. September 13, 2022. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d e Lamoureux, Mack (September 14, 2022). "He Called 911 Because His Car Was Stuck. The Cops Killed Him". Vice News. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  7. ^ a b c d e Allott, Amber (September 17, 2022). "How a young Kiwi making 'heart signs' was shot dead by US police". Stuff. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  8. ^ a b c d Thornton, Claire (September 16, 2022). "Colorado parents say 22-year-son fatally shot by police was in mental health crisis". USA Today. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c Sherry, Allison (September 15, 2022). "Clear Creek County Undersheriff: Deputy who fatally shot Christian Glass was afraid he would stab a law enforcement officer". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  10. ^ Jackson, Phillip (September 21, 2022). "Sheriff's Deputy In Shocking Colorado Shooting Was Already Being Sued For Excessive Force". Huffington Post. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  11. ^ "WARNING, GRAPHIC: Body camera footage showing the shooting death of Christian Glass in Colorado". KKTV (News video). January 4, 2023. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  12. ^ "Press Release: Officer Involved Shooting" (PDF). Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office. June 11, 2022. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 18, 2022. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  13. ^ Grantham, Jordan (September 16, 2022). "New footage shows police in Colorado fatally shot man after calling 911 for help". USA Today. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  14. ^ a b Erblat, Austen (November 24, 2022). "Clear Creek deputies fired and indicted in killing of Christian Glass after investigation found 'policy and procedural failures'". KCNC-TV. CBS News. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  15. ^ a b c Wall, Tony; Sherwood, Sam (September 16, 2022). "They attacked and killed him': Father of Kiwi shot dead by cops in US calls it 'murder'". Stuff. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  16. ^ a b c Schmelzer, Elise (September 13, 2022). "It was a murder': Family of 22-year-old killed by Colorado deputy calls for charges'". The Denver Post. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  17. ^ a b Lamoureux, Mack (September 16, 2022). "Cop Who Shot and Killed 911 Caller Christian Glass Is Still on Duty". Vice News. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  18. ^ Easterwood, Gabby (September 22, 2022). "Deputy in Christian Glass killing was sued over force before". KDVR. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  19. ^ Staeger, Steve (February 10, 2023). "Clear Creek County settles excessive lawsuit involving now fired deputy". 9News. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  20. ^ Wilson, Spencer (September 14, 2022). "Drugs found in Christian Glass' system after he was shot, killed by Clear Creek County Sheriff's deputies". KCNC-TV. CBS News. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  21. ^ Wilson, Spencer (May 24, 2023). "Christian Glass case: $19 million settlement reached in death of 22-year-old shot and killed by police". KCNC-TV. CBS News. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  22. ^ Sherry, Allison (May 23, 2023). "Christian Glass' family hopes their settlement will spur law enforcement not just to apologize, but to reform". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  23. ^ Bradbury, Shelly (May 23, 2023). "Family of Christian Glass to receive $19 million in record-setting settlement for 2022 killing by Clear Creek deputy". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  24. ^ Brown, Jennifer (November 24, 2022). "Clear Creek County deputies involved in fatal shooting are indicted, fired after grand jury investigation". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
  25. ^ Sebastian, Matt; Schmelzer, Elise (November 23, 2022). "Two Clear Creek County deputies indicted, fired in shooting death of Christian Glass". The Denver Post. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  26. ^ Solomon, Marissa (January 30, 2023). "'People are outraged': Christian Glass' parents call for Colorado police departments to condemn his murder". KUSA. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  27. ^ Yamasaki, Parker (November 16, 2023). "Clear Creek County sheriff's supervisor pleads guilty to 2 misdemeanors in shooting death of Christian Glass". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  28. ^ Balk, Tim (February 21, 2025). "Former Sheriff's Deputy Is Convicted in Killing of Colorado Man". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  29. ^ Whitehead, Darren; Staeger, Steve; Solomon, Marissa (November 16, 2023). "Former Clear Creek deputy pleads guilty in death of Christian Glass". KUSA. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  30. ^ Allison Sherry, "Jury selection in trial for former deputy who killed Boulder man on mountain road has trial starts today", Colorado_Public_Radio, April 8, 2024.
  31. ^ a b Butzer, Stephanie (February 20, 2025). "Former deputy found guilty of criminally negligent homicide in connection with Christian Glass case". KMGH-TV. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  32. ^ Prentzel, Olivia (February 20, 2025). "Jury finds former Clear Creek sheriff's deputy guilty of criminally negligent homicide in Christian Glass' death". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  33. ^ Slevin, Colleen (April 14, 2025). "Former Colorado deputy gets 3 years in prison for fatally shooting man who called for help". Associated Press. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
  34. ^ Whitley, Morgan (November 17, 2023). "6 more officers charged in death of Christian Glass". KDVR. Archived from the original on November 24, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  35. ^ Isenberg, Sydney (July 2, 2025). "Charges dropped against final law enforcement officer in Christian Glass case". KMGH. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  36. ^ Bordelon, Colette (May 9, 2025). "Christian Glass case: Charges dropped against 3 defendants in exchange for training video". KMGH. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  37. ^ Slevin, Colleen (May 9, 2025). "Charges dropped against 3 officers after they make a training video about fatal Colorado shooting". Associated Press. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
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