Police Release ID Of Man Officer Shot In Fort Collins

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4/AP) - Fort Collins police have released the identity of a man an officer shot on Friday.

Scott Mendias, 41, is listed in serious condition.

Police spokesman Matt Johnson told the Coloradoan shots were fired at 2:10 p.m. Friday near College Avenue and Myrtle Street.

"Our officers were on scene in just a few minutes. They contacted the male and there were shots fired," Johnson said.

Shortly before the shooting, police were in the area investigating the report of two men fighting.

Police didn't say how many shots were fired or if Mendias fired at them.

Ryan McCarty lives near where the shooting happened. He was stunned to find about about the shooting in his normally quiet neighborhood.

"It's unheard of," he said. "I never thought this would be a bad place. I've lived here for 11 years.

The officer involved, Michael Crosland, has been placed on routine, paid administrative leave.

"That's a horrible experience for any of our officers. Obviously we have pretty substantial duties to protect ourselves and to protect the community," Johnson said. "For someone to put you in a position to have to make that decision, it's just an incredibly difficult time."

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