Meeker officers exonerated in civil case

MEEKER I On Dec. 9, 2010, Judge Walker Miller of the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado issued an order dismissing all claims filed by Erica Boudreaux, as the wife and personal representative of Chris Boudreaux, against Chief Robert Hervey, Lt. Glenn Wilson, Officer Mike Washburn and the Town of Meeker. On Feb. 3, 2011, the town was awarded costs in the amount of $2,250.00.
The lawsuit arose from a March 28, 2008, officer-involved fatal shooting at the Valley Motel. The court found that the Meeker officers responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic violence incident. Mr. Boudreaux confronted the officers wielding a firearm. After failing to respond to the Lt. Wilson’s repeated directions to drop the handgun, Mr. Boudreaux aimed the handgun at the officer. The officer fired one shot at Mr. Boudreaux. First aid and paramedic aid were administered, but Mr. Boudreaux died at the scene.
The court found that the officers did not act with intent that their conduct would adversely affect the Boudreaux’s familial relationship. In addition, the court found that a reasonable officer at the scene would have probable cause to believe that Mr. Boudreaux was a threat to the officers and others, based on his actions. Upon the examination of the entirety of the circumstances and the undisputed facts, the court found that Lt. Wilson’s use of deadly force was not excessive or reckless.
Tragic incidents like this and their aftermath are stressful on all that are involved. I want to express the town’s support and thanks to Chief Hervey, Officer Washburn, former Lt. Wilson and the entire Meeker Police Department for their service to the town and its citizens.