DENVER, Colo. — Former Clear Creek County sheriff’s deputy Andrew Buen was sentenced to three years in prison on Monday, the maximum sentence for his conviction in the 2022 killing of Christian Glass, a 22-year-old man who had called 911 for help while experiencing a mental health crisis.
The shooting drew national attention and sparked widespread calls for police reform, especially regarding how law enforcement responds to people in distress.
Glass, who had become stranded in his SUV near Silver Plume, refused to exit his vehicle during a tense standoff with deputies. Body camera footage later revealed he had been non-aggressive, even making heart shapes with his hands toward officers. Nevertheless, he was met with force — hit with bean bags, tased, and ultimately shot five times by Buen after throwing a knife out a broken window.
During sentencing, Judge Catherine Cheroutes emphasized that the incident was less about fear or mistake and more about control.
“It wasn’t a mistake. It was about, ‘you need to listen to me because I’m in charge,’” she said, calling the killing a misuse of power.
Buen apologized to the Glass family in court, saying, “There are a million things I should have done better that night.” But Glass’s family questioned the sincerity of his remorse.
“He met evil that night and there was no compassion,” said Sally Glass, Christian’s mother.
“He died terrified, in pain and all alone,” added his sister Katie.
Buen was convicted of criminally negligent homicide after a second trial. A prior trial resulted in a conviction on a misdemeanor for endangering fellow officers but ended in a hung jury on more serious charges.
Glass’s death led to a $19 million settlement, including funding for crisis intervention training for officers. His family continues to advocate for reform and greater accountability within law enforcement.
