Statement from the Colorado Springs Police Department on Lawsuit Regarding Arrest of Mr. Jacob Root and Use of Force
On May 9, 2024, the Colorado Springs Police Department was made aware of a lawsuit filed against CSPD Officer Robert Comstock, by Mr. Jacob Root and the law Office of Harry Daniels in conjunction with Jolly Law P.L.L.C. CSPD takes these allegations seriously and wants to provide our community with the complete set of facts regarding the incident. The relevant body-worn camera (BWC) footage of CSPD’s multiple attempts to take Mr. Root into custody, and the final report and findings from the internal investigation into the officer’s use of force are available for review below.
On May 16, 2022, at approximately 1:30 PM, law enforcement personnel with the Beat Auto Theft through Law Enforcement Taskforce, which includes personnel from the Colorado Springs Police Department, El Paso County Sherriff’s Office, and Colorado State Patrol located a stolen Ford Fusion in the parking lot of a motel in the 3900 block of North Nevada Avenue. Officers attempted to apprehend the suspect (later identified as Mr. Root) driving the stolen vehicle. The suspect fled in the vehicle, striking a marked police cruiser in the process. Officers did not continue to pursue the suspect at this time, so there is limited BWC footage from this initial contact.
Approximately 20 minutes later, Taskforce officers located the stolen vehicle in the parking lot of a convenience store in the 2500 block of Airport Road. As uniformed officers approached the vehicle, the suspect was walking from the store to the vehicle. When the suspect saw the officers, he fled on foot. Multiple officers pursued the suspect, also on foot, lawfully ordering him to stop. Officers identified themselves as police, and warned force would be used if he did not stop. The suspect continued to run from officers. During the pursuit, an officer with an outside agency attempted to detain the suspect using a tool, known as a Bolo-Wrap, but it was ineffective.
Officer Comstock commanded the suspect to stop running and Officer Comstock warned that a police canine would be used if he did not stop. As the suspect continued to evade officers and approached Airport Rd, Officer Comstock deployed his taser. The suspect fell and officers took him into custody. Officers rendered medical aid and called emergency medical services to respond.
During his medical treatment at the hospital, the suspect was found to be paralyzed. While our goal is to complete every call for service in a safe manner, unfortunately the suspect sustained injuries during his attempt to flee officers, who were readily identifiable and had commanded him to stop.
Any time there is a use of force, especially when it results in serious bodily injury, it is imperative for our department to look critically at the decision-making and context surrounding the use of force. As such, CSPD initiated a level two internal affairs investigation into the use of force by Officer Comstock. After review through the deputy chief, Officer Comstock was exonerated from any policy violation or wrongdoing. CSPD stands by the findings of this internal review. Officer Comstock is a valued employee and is in good standing with the department.
CSPD values transparency and truth in all that we do. To uphold these values for our community, we are providing the final review of the internal affairs investigation and the relevant BWC clips for our community. You can find this information below
In this video, CSPD Officer Comstock attempts to stop the suspect from fleeing in the stolen vehicle. The suspect escaped, striking a marked police cruiser in the process.
In this video, while attempting to stop the suspect, Officer Avilia's marked police cruiser is struck by the suspect while attempting to escape.
In this video, the suspect flees from officers on foot. Officers pursue the suspect and ultimately deploy a taser to take the suspect into custody.