A former Clear Creek County sheriff’s deputy accused of killing 22-year-old Christian Glass after Glass called 911 for help while he was stuck on the side of the road and experiencing a mental health crisis pleaded not guilty in district court Thursday.
Andrew Buen is charged with second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and official misconduct for fatally shooting Glass on June 11, 2022.
Glass called 911 after crashing his car on an embankment and told the dispatcher he was afraid of “skinwalkers” and people chasing him, according to earlier reporting.
Buen was among seven law enforcement officers who responded to the call and spent an hour trying to coax Glass out of his car while Glass was experiencing delusions and paranoia.
Former Clear Creek County Sgt. Kyle Gould authorized officers to use force to remove Glass from his car. Officers shot bean bags and tased Glass, who lunged at an officer standing at the rear driver’s side window with a knife, which is when Buen shot him.
Buen and Gould were indicted by a grand jury in November.
Gould was charged with criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment in the case.
He did not enter a plea in court Thursday, but Fifth Judicial District Attorney’s Office spokesperson John Bryan said the parties have reached a tentative resolution in the case. Gould is set to appear in court for a plea and sentencing hearing on Nov. 16.
Buen is set to appear for a motions hearing, which will include discussions about a change of venue, on Dec. 18, Bryan said.
Glass’ family received a record $19 million settlement from the state of Colorado and three local law enforcement agencies in May, along with statements saying his death was unnecessary and preventable and pledging to do better for people in crisis in the future.
The shooting will also be used in police training scenarios to teach the importance of de-escalation.
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