Officer Involved Shooting Logan/Morgan County, May 3, 2020

On May 3, 2020 at approximately 6:08 p.m., Officer Molcyk was driving his patrol vehicle on Road Q in Logan County, Colorado, and observed a vehicle believed to be involved in a shooting a few days prior. The same vehicle was, immediately prior to Officer Molcyk’s contact, engaged in a high-speed chase with other law enforcement on I-76 that had been called off for the safety of citizens. Upon visual contact, Officer Molcyk reengaged in a high-speed chase of the vehicle. The vehicle was actively attempting to evade law enforcement, reaching speeds in excess of 115 miles per hour. The vehicle rapidly reduced speed and proceeded to turn abruptly and attempt to drive toward Officer Molcyk. Officer Molcyk drew his department issued handgun and held it above his steering wheel. Officer Molcyk then intentionally collided with the suspect vehicle to end the pursuit. Rendering the suspect vehicle immobile, Officer Molcyk exited his patrol vehicle, approached the suspect vehicle with his weapon drawn, and gave a series of loud, verbal commands to the driver, Tyler Kracht, to raise his hands. Despite these clear, repeated, unambiguous commands, Mr. Kracht continued to drop his hands outside the view of law enforcement and attempted to drive the vehicle while officers surrounded the vehicle. Officer Molcyk fired several shots into the driver’s side window and struck Mr. Kracht causing six gunshot wounds to Mr. Kracht. After life-saving efforts were attempted, Mr. Kracht was pronounced dead at the scene.

After investigating and reviewing the relevant facts and measuring them against the law, it was determined that the use of deadly force by Officer Austin Molcyk was clearly justified.