Officer will not be charged in Monument Inn shooting

A Grand Junction Police Officer will not be charged after a shooting during a stand off at a local apartment complex, according to the district attorney's office.

It happened on Oct. 12 along North Avenue near the Monument Inn.

In a letter outlining the results of the investigation, District Attorney Dan Rubinstein said Corporal Cody Kennedy had reason to believe that he was in danger and was justified in shooting 20-year-old Michael Comacho.

In his letter, Rubinstein said Comacho pointed what appeared to be a large gun at Cpl. Kennedy and threatened him. Comacho ignored multiple commands to drop his weapon and show his hands. Cpl. Kennedy fired one shot, which hit Comacho in the hand, forcing him to drop the gun, which later turned out to be a realistic looking BB gun.

Police said Comacho went back into the apartment and returned with his hands behind his back. Officers fired several less-lethal rounds at Comacho, and were finally able to arrest him.

Comacho was charged with first degree assault on a peace officer and menacing.

Rubinstein cited Cpl. Kennedy’s training and the consistency in witness statements to support the decision not to press charges.