Colorado’s 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office has ruled that a Colorado Springs police officer was justified in shooting a juvenile carjacking suspect during a Dec. 16 incident.

The ruling means Colorado Springs Police Department officer Joshua Singels, who shot and struck the juvenile twice, will not face criminal charges.  

In accordance with Colorado Revised Statute 16-2.5-30 peace officer-involved shooting investigations protocol, all officer-involved shootings that result in injury or death must by reviewed by a multi-agency team. In the case of the Dec. 16 incident, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office took the lead in investigating the details surrounding the use of force, and presenting that information to the District Attorney’s office. 

According to the district attorney’s report, around 3 a.m. on Dec. 16  three juveniles, identified by law enforcement as Nehemiah Hughes, Mathiss Jackson and a female were reportedly driving a stolen car northbound near Marksheffel and Industry Road. 

New details emerge surrounding juvenile and officer-involved shooting: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

The suspects allegedly pulled their vehicle in front of a Jeep Wrangler and slowed down. As the driver of the Jeep was also forced to slow down, he stated that an individual exited the vehicle and raised a firearm, pointing at him. 

The Jeep driver was able to escape and report the incident to law enforcement. Ian Devlin, an El Paso County Sheriff’s deputy, responded shortly after to take the report. 

Shortly following the first incident, the suspect vehicle allegedly engaged in a similar confrontation with another Jeep near Marksheffel Road and Meadowbrook Parkway.

As the second Jeep was approached by the suspect driver, who was reported to be tapping on the window with a firearm, the driver sped off. The suspect, still on the roadway, fired at least one shot at the vehicle, hitting a tire. 

The second incident was also reported to the Sheriff’s Office. 

At approximately 3:50 a.m., law enforcement learned that the suspects had driven to a fast-food location on Constitution Avenue. Devlin arrived on the scene and was aware of the earlier alleged connected crimes. 

According to the review, Devlin attempted to perform a tactical vehicle intervention as the suspects tried to flee, but was unsuccessful. Shortly after, two more officers with the Colorado Springs Police Department, Xavier Stewart and Singels, attempted another and was successful. 

Upon approaching the suspect vehicle, Devlin issued commands and drew his weapon. Steward and Singels did the same, with Singels calling to the suspects to “show me your hands.”

The suspects then exited their vehicle, ignoring law enforcement, when Devlin noticed at least one of the suspects had a gun in his hand. Suspect Hughes then raised the weapon and pointed it at Devlin. 

At this point, Singels was behind the suspects’ vehicle when he told investigators he saw Hughes raise his gun. According to the DA’s report, Singes said he believed that Devlin’s life was in immediate danger. He called out “gun,” then fired his rifle two times, striking the suspect in the back. Hughes received medical attention on the scene, and was then transferred to a hospital where he survived. 

Hughes is accused of 29 criminal charges with his next court appearance scheduled for Oct. 3. Another suspect, Jackson, fled the scene but was later arrested by officers. He is currently facing 28 charges with his next date in court scheduled for Oct. 3 as well.