Suthers Issues Statement On Officer-Involved Shooting; Authorities ID Man Killed

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office has officially identified the victim in an officer-involved shooting Saturday in Colorado Springs as 19-year-old Devon Bailey. His death prompted a march from City Hall to police headquarters with residents calling for justice Monday. The protest was disbanded by police when two men separate from the demonstration showed up with weapons.

Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers issued a statement Tuesday, saying the city and police department recognize the concerns of many residents over the weekend incident. He also urged patience.

"It is in the best interest of everyone involved, and our entire community, to ensure that the incident is fully and effectively investigated," said Suthers in the emailed statement. "We know there can be frustration with the time this takes, but we cannot compromise the investigation by failing to spend the appropriate time gathering the facts."

The statement comes after the planned peaceful protest Monday was disrupted by two men on motorcycles. According to the Colorado Springs Police Department the men were wearing bulletproof vests, handcuffs, bail bond badges and handguns. The police department says a verbal confrontation occurred between the men and the assembled demonstrators and one of the men was struck by a protestor. CSPD says both men allegedly drew their weapons in response.

Police took the two men into custody for disorderly conduct, and as other issues arose and protestors blocked the street. CSPD brought in riot officers and ordered the crowd to disperse. No one was injured.

The police department identified the two men as Dustin Brooks and Justin Brooks, both 33. 

Devon Bailey, an African American, was identified by police as a robbery suspect on Saturday evening. Organizers of Monday's demonstration say he was shot seven times in the back; the police say he had reached for a firearm and at least one officer fired a shot. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation.

"We pledge that the City and CSPD will work cooperatively and diligently with the investigating agency," wrote Suthers in his statement. Suthers says, it's up to the district attorney to review evidence and decide whether or not to pursue charges or refer it to a Grand Jury to make a determination.