A Colorado Springs police officer is in critical condition and a male suspect suffered non-life-threatening injuries following a shoot-out early Thursday morning in Colorado Springs, authorities say.
The officer who was shot has been identified as Cem Duzel, a five year veteran. The suspect is identified as 31-year-old Karrar Noaman Al Khammasi.
UPDATE: Officer Cem Duzel
— Colorado Springs Police Department (@CSPDPIO)
The condition of the Al Khammasi, who is being treated at a Colorado Springs hospital is unknown, said Colorado Springs Police Department spokeswoman Jacqueline Kirby.
Several witnesses called 911 at around 3 a.m. reporting multiple gunshots, Kirby said.
When officers arrived at Boulder Street and Bonfoy Avenue, the suspect fired at them, striking Duzel.
“Shots were fired,” said Kirby. She added that it is unclear whether Duzel fired any shots. Colorado Springs police did return fire, hitting the suspect.
“Our suspect is considered in custody. Once he is medically cleared to leave the hospital he will be booked into our jail with multiple charges. I don’t know what those are yet,” she said.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is handling the officer-involved shooting investigation. Deputies are guarding the suspect at the hospital.
The sheriff’s office has requested that news organizations and bystanders not fly drones over the crime scene. Anyone that does is interfering and hindering the investigation.
Lt. Howard Black said Duzel is a patrol officer in the Sand Creek Division.
“Obviously, it’s always a difficult time for his family, his fellow officers and support staff and the community as a whole,” Black said.
He said that many Colorado Springs police officers are at the hospital to offer support to Duzel’s family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Black said.
Al Khammasi has a criminal record in the state, according to Colorado Bureau of Investigation records. In 2013, Al Khammasi was found guilty of felony trespassing. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
In January, he was arrested in Colorado Springs on suspicion of felony possession of a weapon by a previous offender, misdemeanor assault and other misdemeanor charges. He was also charged with a felony parole violation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
