Denver DA Issues Officer-Involved Shooting Decision Letter

DENVER—On July 13, 2022, 26-year-old Michael Silletto fired five gunshots at two Denver Police Department officers while they were in a fully-marked police car. While no officers were injured, the officers returned fire and killed Silletto. Today, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann announced that after reviewing the incident, the officers’ conduct was legally justified and no criminal charges will be filed against the officers.

Just after 10:30 p.m. that night, a 911 caller saw two males with handguns get out of an Audi and was concerned that they were going to rob the operator of a food cart at Federal Blvd and 8^th Ave. As officers arrived, the Audi began driving away with the officers and air support following. The Audi turned and stopped in a parking lot in the 4900 block of Washington Street and a person got in. There were then five individuals in the Audi. Officers illuminated their lights, but rather than obey commands and stop, Michael Silletto raised his arm and fired five shots at the officers from the Audi window.

“The moment Michael Silletto raised his handgun to fire at the officers he placed them in imminent danger of being killed. When he fired, Silletto confirmed his intent to kill or injure them. These officers followed their training. They were legally justified under Colorado law in returning fire and neither will face criminal charges.”

As is her practice, District Attorney McCann will hold a virtual community meeting to discuss this incident and her conclusions on Tuesday, January 24th from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. The public is invited to join this online meeting that will take place over Microsoft Teams by clicking here:  https://bit.ly/3QpNp8i.

DA McCann’s decision letter to Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas is available for review.

About the Denver DA’s Office
Our mission is to professionally and competently prosecute crimes and investigate criminal activity on behalf of the people of the State of Colorado and to seek equal justice for all in the criminal justice system. Our mission includes the prevention and deterrence of crimes, support of the well-being of victims, participation in the community, transparency, accountability, and improvement of the criminal justice system to provide fair alternatives to incarceration in appropriate cases.

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