DENVER—Eight police officers won’t be disciplined for their role in a deadly confrontation at the Denver Zoo in July.
Denver Manager of Safety Alex Martinez in a decision letter Friday says the officers used appropriate tactics and the least amount of force in response to 29-year-old Alonzo Ashley’s actions.
The Denver Post reported that () Ashley stopped breathing after police used a stun gun and handcuffed Ashley and placed him on the ground with his legs flexed toward his buttocks.
Police responded to the zoo after a report of a man claiming to be a lion tackled and beat a zoo guard. Martinez says officers tried to deescalate the situation before subduing Ashley.
Ashley’s family attorney is planning to sue and told the Post that other witnesses contradict police statements.
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Information from: The Denver Post,
