Fort Collins Police Service Press Release Re: Clayton Pierce Officer-Involved Shooting
Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) is releasing video from body-worn cameras of officers involved in the July 2024 shooting that resulted in the death of armed suspect Clayton Pierce (DOB 09/09/81).
Mid-day on July 21, 2024, FC911 received reports of a single-vehicle rollover at the intersection of Bryan Ave. and Mountain Ave., near Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins, CO. As officers responded to assist at the crash, they received information from witnesses that the driver, later identified as Clayton Pierce, exited the vehicle with what was described as a rifle. When officers arrived on the scene, they observed Pierce walking toward the cemetery, and he turned and pointed his rifle at them. Officers took cover behind their vehicle and there was an exchange of gunfire. During this exchange, an officer was shot by Pierce.
Pierce fled on foot into Grandview Cemetery, where he was observed raising his gun again. Officers shot Pierce, who fell to the ground and could not be directly seen or injuries immediately assessed. An armored rescue vehicle was requested so the suspect could be approached safely, and police immediately rendered aid to Pierce. An AR-style rifle was found directly next to him, as well as a handgun in his waistband. Pierce was transported to an area hospital and pronounced deceased.
Though the area was well populated while this situation unfolded, no bystanders were injured during the incident. The officer sustained a gunshot wound to his arm and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he received immediate medical attention. The officer is recovering well.
A Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) was activated to lead an investigation into officer response and the Eighth Judicial District Attorney concluded that officers were justified in their use of force to defend themselves and others from the threat posed by Pierce that day. Both weapons found with Pierce were later determined to be “ghost guns,” meaning they did not have serial numbers. The District Attorney also stated that had Pierce survived, multiple felony-level charges would have been brought against him, including two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder.
“We know our agency’s commitment to transparency is part of why the community trusts and supports us,” said FCPS Chief Jeff Swoboda. “The body-worn cameras captured a remarkable team response to this threat and show the level of professionalism and training our officers are dedicated to. I am grateful for the bravery of our officers and their commitment to keep our community safe,” said Swoboda. “An armed suspect who shot one of our officers certainly posed an unpredictable threat to the rest of the community. I am glad that our injured officer continues to make progress in his recovery.”
A special thank you to a Larimer County Sheriff’s Sergeant and a Colorado State University Campus Police officer who provided support during the incident.
“I would also like to highlight the actions of those who called 9-1-1 and relayed life-saving information to our dispatchers,” said Swoboda. “Our officers thought they were responding to a vehicle crash, but because of vital information provided by witnesses, they were made aware the driver was armed and that a broader public threat existed.”