On February 8, 2025, 23-year-old Jalin Seabron was fatally shot by Deputy Nicholas Moore of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office after responding to a report of gunshots at the Main Event arcade bar in Highlands Ranch. The incident, which allegedly occurred during Seabron’s birthday celebration, has sparked significant public outcry, as it was revealed that Seabron was not the shooter but was holding a firearm while attempting to protect his pregnant girlfriend.
The Incident: Police Response to Gunshots
The shooting unfolded after reports of gunshots inside the building. Upon arriving at the scene, Deputy Moore encountered Seabron outside his vehicle, holding a gun at his side. Seabron was trying to shield his girlfriend and move her to safety, not engaging in the active shooter situation. Despite Seaborn not being the one firing shots, his possession of a firearm led to the officer perceiving a potential threat.
An autopsy report revealed that Seabron had a significant amount of drugs and alcohol in his system, which may have affected his response time to the deputy’s commands. Deputy Moore fired 9 rounds, 7 of which struck Seabron, the other two hitting his vehicle. The entire shooting lasted only 4 seconds.
The Legal Perspective: Was the Shooting Justified?
Douglas County District Attorney George Brauchler addressed the legal implications, stating that, while tragic, the deputy’s actions were justified under Colorado law. “The shooting was a justified legal use of force,” Brauchler remarked. The deputy, unaware of the specifics inside the building, was responding to a perceived active shooter situation. He acted under the reasonable belief that there was an immediate threat to life.
However, critics, including Seabron’s family, argue that the use of deadly force was unnecessary, raising questions about whether the deputy had enough time to assess the situation and whether Seabron’s actions could have been interpreted differently.
Family and Community Outcry
Seabron’s family, including his mother Veronica Seabron, have reportedly demanded accountability, with some calling the justification for the shooting flawed. “The nerve, the audacity, the lies,” said Seabron’s mother, accusing the sheriff’s office of wrongful death. Protests and public demonstrations have erupted, as many question the disparity between situations where gun possession is defended by law enforcement versus when it becomes a fatal issue for civilians.
Challenges of Policing and Gun Violence
The incident highlights broader challenges in policing, especially in a nation where gun ownership continues to rise. With more than 2 million guns sold in Colorado since 2020, experts, including Prof. Daniel Webster from Johns Hopkins, emphasize the difficulty for law enforcement to discern who is a threat in split-second decisions. The surge in gun violence and firearm possession adds complexity to police interactions, especially when responding to situations involving armed individuals.
Contact Police Brutality Center for Legal Assistance
If you or a loved one has been affected by a police use-of-force incident, wrongful death or situations where mental health or perceived threats were involved, you may be entitled to legal compensation. Police Brutality Center connects individuals with experienced civil rights attorneys, including partners at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, who specialize in cases of police misconduct.
Contact Police Brutality Center today for a confidential consultation and learn how we can assist you in seeking justice.
