Update on Officer Involved Shooting

Issued October 22, 2012 by John Schulz, Public Information Officer

The Larimer County Coroner has determined the cause of death of James D. Smith III, DOB:  110946 of Livermore, to be suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.  Media reports that a deputy had shot and killed the man were inaccurate.

Deputies were called to the 100-block of Guardian Peak Drive in Glacier View on the report of a male who had overdosed and needed medical attention.  While deputies were en route, the female reported the male subject had left the residence and was armed with a handgun.  Subsequently, the female locked herself in the residence.

When deputies arrived, Mr. Smith began trying to break into the house.  Deputies believed the female occupant of the home to be in imminent danger.  Mr. Smith then raised the handgun and fired at which time the deputy fired a single shot.  Mr. Smith had fired the single shot into his head, which was determined to be the only gunshot wound to the body.

The deputy, who will be identified later this week, was placed on administrative leave as is normal protocol for an officer-involved shooting pending the conclusion of an internal review. The District Attorney's office will also conduct a use of force review.

The female was rescued by deputies and was unharmed.  No deputies were injured during the incident.

###LCSO###

Original Press Release issued Saturday, October 20.

Larimer County Sheriff's Office deputies were called to the 100 block of Guardian Peak Drive in Glacier View at 11:50 p.m. on October 19, 2012 after an adult female called 911 to report that her former boyfriend had arrived at her residence. She believed he had overdosed and needed medical attention. While deputies were en route, the female reported that the male subject had left the residence and was armed with a  handgun. 

Deputies arrived on scene and made contact with the male who pointed a handgun at deputies.  Two shots were fired.  One shot from the male subject and one shot from a deputy.  The male subject was pronounced dead at the scene. 

No deputies, or the female, were injured and there was no other threat to surrounding neighbors. 

The Larimer County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene personnel, Investigators and the Larimer County District Attorney's Office are still actively working the case. 

The deceased will be identified and his name will be released by the Larimer County Coroner's Office after the notification of the next of kin. 

There is no further information at this time as the investigation is still on-going.