The gun of a Colorado State University campus officer went off Wednesday night when a 34-year-old man allegedly hit the officer with his truck and fled.
Around 11:15 p.m., a Fort Collins police officer spotted a 2008 Toyota Tacoma pickup speeding and driving erratically in the 300 block of East Mulberry Street, according to a news release from the university.
The officer attempted to stop the truck, but the driver sped away. Following protocol, the officer did not pursue the truck and an alert was sent to authorities to be on the lookout.
Around 11:35 p.m., several CSU officers spotted the truck near campus, at the intersection of Pitkin and Shields streets. One of the officers attempted to contact the suspect.
As the officer approached the truck, the driver allegedly drove the truck onto the curb, hitting the officer with the front right side.
The officer was thrown back, causing him to discharge his handgun.
The officer had minor injuries. No one else was hurt.
The driver fled the area, leaving the truck behind. A police dog with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Department later located the suspect near Neil Drive and Stuart Street.
The suspect was identified as Felix Keil. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree assault on a peace officer, menacing and reckless driving.
