DA: Deputy's Force Was Legally Justified in November Chase and Shooting
Larimer County District Attorney Gordon P. McLaughlin ruled January 7 that Deputy Chris Connor's use of force during a November 16 pursuit and shooting was legally justified, clearing him of criminal charges in what marks the first formal legal determination of the incident.
The incident began as a traffic stop that escalated into an 8.75-mile pursuit reaching 120 mph. After a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver on Highway 60 east of I-25 disabled the Audi, Connor exited his vehicle. Connor perceived the car moving toward him and fired a single round, leaving all involved with minor injuries and no fatalities.
In his opinion letter, McLaughlin wrote: "Deputy Chris Connor was legally justified in his use of physical force to protect his life, and to affect the arrest of Matthew Wright on November 16, 2025."
Matthew David Wright—referred to in one section of the DA letter as Michael Wright—faces alleged felony vehicular eluding, attempted third-degree assault, reckless driving, speeding 40 mph or more, and driving while license suspended, according to Fort Collins Police.
McLaughlin's determination was based on a multi-agency Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) investigation that examined body-worn camera footage, radio traffic, interviews, scene photographs and video, physical evidence and measurements, accident reconstruction analysis, and medical records.
The DA wrote: "Because the peace officer was justified in his use of force, no criminal charges can or will be filed against him by the District Attorney."
Policy decisions on pursuits and use of force remain with Fort Collins Police Services and the Larimer County Sheriff's Office. McLaughlin's letter notes that the DA and CIRT "does not have authority to direct or dictate law-enforcement agency policy."
The ruling clears Connor of criminal liability but does not preclude civil claims. The decision comes roughly two months after the incident and will likely fuel ongoing debate over pursuit tactics and officer-involved shootings in Northern Colorado.
The full opinion letter and related press releases are posted on Larimer County and Fort Collins websites for public review, with detailed investigative records available by request.