Denver Police Chief Robert White Discusses Ryan Ronquillo Officer Review

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• published: 19 Feb 2016
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The Denver Police Department issued a report entitled: Final Reviews of Officer Involved Shooting of Ryan Ronquillo. 5 POINTS NEWS interviewed Denver Police Chief Robert White following the release of this statement: DENVER, CO – Thursday, February 18, 2016 – Today the Denver Police Department announced that the officers involved in the shooting death of Mr. Ryan Ronquillo used appropriate force and tactics in compliance with departmental policies and procedures. “The Denver Police Department is committed to protecting the community, and regardless of the circumstances we mourn the loss of any life,” said Chief Robert C. White. “When deadly force is used, a detailed evaluation of the incident commences. As a result of that evaluation the conclusion was reached that the officers’ actions do not warrant discipline.” Multiple agencies participated in a thorough and impartial review process of the shooting, including an independent investigation by the Denver District Attorney’s Office, a Denver Police Department Internal Affairs Bureau review, an independent review by the Office of the Independent Monitor, and a review by the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, which occurred at the Police Chief’s request. The agencies agreed that the shooting was within policy, and the Department of Justice determined no civil rights violations occurred. A brief summary of the incident follows. For a detailed, factual description, please reference the Denver District Attorney’s Decision Letter. On July 2, 2014, investigators with the Safe Streets Task Force were conducting fugitive apprehension operations. On that date, a task force member received a call requesting aid in locating and arresting Ryan Ronquillo, a suspect wanted for a domestic violence incident and several automobile thefts. After approximately two hours of searching, undercover officers confirmed that Mr. Ronquillo was sitting in a stolen vehicle located at the corner of 37th and Osage. Investigators began to formulate a plan to apprehend Mr. Ronquillo at that location; however, as additional officers arrived Mr. Ronquillo drove away and a “rolling surveillance operation” commenced. Mr. Ronquillo eventually drove into a parking lot at 4570 Tejon Street and backed into a parking space. The task force used two vehicles to block the stolen vehicle Mr. Ronquillo occupied in order to effectuate an arrest. As uniformed officers approached, Mr. Ronquillo stepped on the gas and advanced in reverse at a high rate of speed, striking and injuring a female officer. Mr. Ronquillo then drove his vehicle forward in the direction of several officers who were on foot and towards the two vehicles blocking his stolen vehicle, resulting in four officers firing shots. Mr. Ronquillo died from gunshot wounds to the head and neck. The Denver Police Department continuously reviews its policies and procedures and considers what other agencies employ as it relates to best practices. As part of this ongoing evaluation, the department began examining other law enforcement agencies’ policies on the discharge of firearms at motor vehicles last year. It also consulted with the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), which develops guidance and best practices in policing. In June of 2015, the Police Department updated its policy related to the discharge of firearms at motor vehicles. Additionally, the Police Department recently began issuing body worn cameras to its patrol officers in a move towards further transparency and accountability, with approximately 800 wearing them by the end of the year. The Department also reviewed and is updating its policy related to handcuffing wounded suspects involved in critical incidents.