Denver police report that a man lifted a “replica firearm” before being fatally shot by officers in an incident last month. Identified as 57-year-old Jose Medina, the man was confronted by police in an alley near 35th Avenue and Humboldt Street, where he had reportedly been camping. During a recent briefing, police released body camera footage showing officers urging Medina to drop the weapon before opening fire when he raised it towards them.
In the incident, four officers discharged their weapons, firing a total of 16 bullets. Alongside a detailed account of the events, police displayed an image of the replica gun, which bore Smith & Wesson markings and was damaged during the shooting. Chief Ron Thomas emphasized that the officers were forced to respond with lethal force due to the perceived threat, stating, “No officer wants to take a life.” Medina, who had intermittent experiences with homelessness since 2005, received medical attention at the scene and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
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