On May 20, 2023, at approximately 5:57 p.m., two Fountain Police Department (FPD) officers responded to the zero hundred block of Taos Circle, Fountain, CO. to investigate a domestic disturbance. During the initial investigation, officers attempted to detain a male, who resisted their control. The family dog also attacked one of the officers, biting the officer in the face and arm. The male continued to resist officers’ attempts to control him and attempted to enter his residence, where officers had been told firearms were stored. The officer who was being attacked by the dog shot and killed the dog. One of the officers fired at least one round at the male, striking him. Officers detained the male in handcuffs and rendered aid. He was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries directly related to being shot.
On May 22, 2023, the El Paso County Coroner conducted an autopsy of the male, who was identified as 51-year-old James Boyle of Fountain, CO.
In accordance with Colorado Revised Statute 16-2.5-301, the Colorado Springs Police Department is the lead investigative agency for this officer-involved shooting. The Fountain Police Officers who fired their weapon have been placed on administrative leave per their department policies.
This is an ongoing investigation and information will be released as appropriate. All information regarding the deadly force investigation will come from the Colorado Springs Police Department. Information regarding the law enforcement officers involved in this incident will come from the Fountain Police Department.
This is still an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information or who is a witness to this investigation is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000; or if you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.
Original Fountain Police Department News Release
Two Fountain Police Department Officers were involved in a shooting this evening.
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, just before 6:00 PM, Officers responded to the zero hundred block of Taos Circle for a Domestic Violence Disturbance.
Two officers arrived on scene and during the investigation, the suspect’s dog attacked an officer. While the dog was attacking the officer, the suspect began to assault both officers. While being attacked by the suspect and the dog, both officers shot at least one round hitting the suspect and the dog.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital with at least one gunshot wound. The dog died at the scene.
One officer was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The second officer did not receive injuries that required advanced medical treatment. Based on Fountain Police Department’s policy, both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave.
The Colorado Springs Police Department will be investigating this situation which is common practice for an officer involved shooting.