Littleton o cer Michael Lopez cleared in fatal shooting

BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Littleton Police O cer Michael Lopez was cleared by the 18th Judicial District for any wrongdoing in the shooting that resulted in the death of Stephen Poolson Jr. on Feb. 2.

In the report, Chief Deputy District Attorney Clinton McKinzie said after reviewing the evidence provided by the Critical Response Team and applying the law to the facts of the incident, “I conclude that O cer Lopez was legally justi ed in using lethal force against Mr. Poolson. e police o cer’s use of force was reasonable, necessary, and appropriate to defend himself from the threat posed by Mr. Poolson.”

According to the report’s summary of facts, on Feb. 2 around 1:05 a.m., Lopez was on patrol in a fully marked police car near 5600 S. Bannock St. in Littleton. As he turned onto Powell Avenue he observed a man straddling a parked motorcycle outside an apartment building. e man was later identi ed as Poolson, 41.

Lopez took note that the motorcycle was on the sidewalk with no license plate. Lopez pulled the patrol car alongside Poolson. Rolling down his window, Lopez asked Poolson what he was doing. Poolson responded that he was waiting for friends.

According to the report, Lopez then asked where the motorcycle’s license plates were. Poolson did not respond. Lopez then asked if the bike had been stolen. Allegedly, Poolson said, “not yet.”