Killing of Richard Ward

Richard Ward, 32, was fatally shot on February 22, 2022, by Pueblo County deputy Charles McWhorter during an incident in Liberty Point International Middle School in Pueblo West, Colorado.[1]

Ward was questioned by the police after being observed attempting to enter a car that was not his in the middle school's parking lot.[2] He was asked for his identification and if he had any weapons on his person. After admitting that he may be armed with a pocket knife, he appeared to put something in his mouth. McWhorter, one of two deputies at the scene, forcefully removed Ward out of the car and placed him on the ground, shortly before shooting him three times in the chest.[3]

After reviewing the results, District Attorney Jeff Chostner determined that the deputies' actions were "rational and justified" because they "believed their lives or the lives of others were in jeopardy".[3] McWhorter earned a Purple Heart award from the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office for allegedly sustaining injuries during the incident. On February 21, 2023, Ward's family filed a federal lawsuit against McWhorter and his agency.[2]

  1. ^ "Family of unarmed man killed by Pueblo County deputies in crowded middle school parking lot file lawsuit against sheriff's office". www.cbsnews.com. February 22, 2023. Archived from the original on February 26, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Family sue after unarmed man was shot dead at school pickup". The Independent. February 22, 2023. Archived from the original on February 24, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Hauck, Grace. "He was picking up his brother at school. Now his family is suing in a fatal police encounter". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on February 26, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2023.