FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

SUPERIOR - Police dash-camera video has been released related to the Feb. 17 high speed chase–turned–shooting in Superior.

The Douglas County District Attorney has determined the two police officers involved in the deadly shooting were justified in their use of deadly force, and part of that decision was made after viewing the video.

"On February 17, our officers responded to Walgreens on a report of an attempted theft of a vehicle, possibly shots fired," Superior Police Chief Chuck LaGesse said.

The surveillance video from the Superior Walgreens shows the suspect, 34-year-old Luke Anderson, trying to take a car.

Police said he eventually got in his own car and a high-speed chase began.

The video shows the suspect eventually jumped out of the car.

Police then reported he had a gun and the chase continued on foot.

"Our officers saw that the individual was armed and when he stopped and began to turn toward them and they fired on him," LaGesse said.

The video evidence, along with other pieces, were items the Douglas County District Attorney looked over, making the decision Thursday that the shots from two officers were "a justified use of deadly force in self defense."

"When an officer feels their life is in danger or someone else's life is in danger, it is something that is scary," LaGesse said. "I don't want to deny that it's scary when you're facing someone with a gun."  

Chief LaGesse said his officers have not been involved in a shooting in about a decade, and although they prepare for those type of events, it does not make them easier.

"It is a very unusual event in this city and it's something that we hope doesn't happen, but our officers prepare for," LaGesse said. "And my heart goes out to family of Luke Anderson because they suffered a loss here."