Charges dropped against 2 officers accused of not trying to stop force against Christian Glass

DENVER — Felony charges have been dropped against two Colorado law enforcement officers in the 2022 fatal shooting of Christian Glass, a 22-year-old man undergoing a mental health crisis.

They also included two officers, Christa Lloyd and Mary Harris, who work for the state’s gambling department six officers charged last year for failing to intervene to stop the actions of former Deputy Sheriff Andrew Buen, who ultimately shot Glass after a standoff in a small mountain community.

A judge ruled Monday that gaming officers are not covered by the law, making it a crime for peace officers, such as police and state troopers, to fail to intervene to prevent a fellow officer from using excessive force. The crime was created by state lawmakers in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Buen was convicted this year of reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor, in the Glass shooting, which drew national attention and prompted calls for police reform focused on crisis intervention. Jurors could not reach a verdict on more serious charges of second-degree murder and official misconduct. Buen will be retried on these charges in February.

Another officer charged with negligent homicide and reckless endangerment in Glass’ death was guilty of not intervening.

Glass’s parents, Sally and Simon Glass, had long pushed for the other officers at the scene to be prosecuted. They reached a $19 million settlement with the variety of agencies that responded to the impasse. It included policy changes such as crisis intervention training for Colorado law enforcement officers responding to people in need.