State parole officer Steve Crigler was justified in shooting a wanted criminal after the man pulled a gun from underneath his jacket and pointed it at Crigler, Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said Thursday.
Crigler had gone to 1746 Emerson St. on May 13 to assess the apartment house because several parolees were residing there.
In Room 206 he saw four people, including 36-year-old James “Bam-Bam” Stewart, whom Crigler knew was wanted by police.
Morrissey said Crigler drew his gun and repeatedly commanded Stewart to “get on the ground” and “let me see your hands.”
Instead of complying, said Morrissey, Stewart first moved toward the parole officer, then backed up toward a window. At that point, Crigler moved toward Stewart, who pulled a gun with the barrel pointed at Crigler.
Crigler “instantaneously” fired two shots at Stewart, Morrissey said. The DA said the gun Stewart had pointed was fully loaded and the hammer was cocked. Stewart was killed.
