Attempted “Death by Cop” Ends in Teen Killing a Police Officer Instead

0 Comments

A 17 year old teen from Colorado attempted a “death by cop” but instead ended up killing a police officer.

Teen asked to be shot

Photo by: POLICEDIVER2
Photo by: POLICEDIVER2

17 year old Austin Patrick Holzer of Mesa County Colorado was on the run, unwilling to go to jail for a sexual offense, when he was approached by Deputy Derek Geer. After being unable to flee from Deputy Geer, Holzer told the police officer to shoot him, hoping to be killed by what is referred to as “death by cop”. To the teen’s dismay, Deputy Geer brandished a Taser and not a firearm.

Attempted suicide first

When Holzer realized the officer wasn’t going to kill him, he brought out a weapon and pointed it at himself; yet he was unsuccessful at discharging it. When his attempt at suicide failed, he then pointed the gun at Deputy Geer, shooting him in the face and upper body. Deputy Geer, a veteran of the United States Navy and father of two, later died at a hospital from his injuries.

Killing a police officer

Photo by: Victor
Photo by: Victor

Holzer was hoping to run or die, anything but spend time in jail as a sex offender. Now because he is being charged as an adult for killing a police officer, a first degree felony, it is likely the rest of his life will be spent in prison. Had Holzer confronted his original crimes, the life of a police officer would have been spared and Holzer’s time behind bar would have been greatly reduced.

Seek legal counsel

Minors who are dealing with criminal charges should speak with a juvenile defense attorney to discuss options and possible outcomes before resorting to drastic measures that can greatly affect any chances of reducing jail time.