In the early evening of June 13, 2021, a series of events tragically culminated in the death of 30-year-old Duane Manzanares in Denver, Colorado. The incident began when police received a 911 call about a man firing a gun into a white Mercedes sedan near East Colfax Avenue. Officers responded to the scene and found the damaged vehicle, along with shell casings and bullets, corroborating the witness's account.
Shortly thereafter, officers spotted Manzanares walking down East Colfax.
He matched the description provided by the 911 caller. The officers observed a large, semi-automatic handgun tucked into his waistband. As they approached him, Manzanares, who was reportedly drinking from a whiskey bottle, became agitated. The officers gave him commands to put his hands on his head, but he did not comply.
The encounter, which lasted a mere 33 seconds, escalated quickly. Manzanares questioned why the officers were pointing their guns at him and, after a brief verbal exchange, he tossed the small liquor bottle he was holding. He then moved his hand toward the gun in his waistband. In response to this movement, three of the four officers on the scene—Samuel Bailey, Steven Whiteman, and Ryan Nelson—opened fire, shooting a total of 11 times. Manzanares was struck by multiple gunshots and died from his injuries. The fourth officer, Christine Abrams, did not discharge her weapon.
Following the shooting, the Denver District Attorney's Office conducted an investigation into the officers' actions. The investigation concluded that the officers reasonably believed they were in imminent danger of being killed or seriously injured, and therefore, no criminal charges were filed against them. The District Attorney, Beth McCann, stated that it was also reasonable for the officers to fear for the safety of the public at the busy intersection. Subsequently, the City of Denver approved an $800,000 settlement for the family of Duane Manzanares.
