Denver’s district attorney announced Monday he will not bring criminal charges against a police officer who fatally shot a man in a Denver trailer park in July.
Paul Castaway’s mother called 911 after her son entered her home, drunk and brandishing a knife. Surveillance video shows officers arriving and Castaway approaching them with the knife held to his neck. Officer Michael Traudt then fatally shoots him.
In a letter explaining his decision, DA Mitch Morrissey concludes that Castaway gave the officer no choice but to fire his weapon in self defense:
Officer Traudt’s decision to fire his pistol was, under these circumstances objectively reasonable and appropriate. Indeed, Castaway gave him no other choice. Officer Traud’s actions are justifiable under Colorado Law and, accordingly, I will not file criminal charges against Officer Traudt.
