MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Ahmad Alissa: Boulder police officers used murdered hero cop Eric Talley’s handcuffs to haul suspect into custody

Police Officer Eric Talley was one among the ten victims of the mass shootout at King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado on March 22

In memory of slain police officer Eric Talley at the Boulder shooting massacre, the Boulder Police Department released a photo of his handcuffs, which were used to take the suspect to jail on March 22, 2021. The 51-year-old police officer was fatally shot at the King Soopers grocery store, where the 21-year-old suspect Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa gunned down ten people. Officer Talley was one of the first responders to the scene.

"It was our distinct honor to use Officer Talley’s handcuffs to formally process him into the jail. Though this was a small gesture, we hope it is the start of the healing process that so many of us need at this time," read the tweet from the Boulder Police. 

READ MORE

Who is Kirstin Stillwell? Cop Eric Talley killed in Boulder shooting wanted to be pilot, sister says 'fly high'

Who is Homer Talley? Boulder cop Eric Talley's dad says son was a gun rights activist: 'He enjoyed shooting'

"America Salutes You Sir!"

Following Monday's shootout massacre, the suspect Ahmad Alissa was processed into custody formally from the local hospital. The officers in charge of placing Alissa into custody used the handcuffs of Officer Talley, as a gesture to honor his sacrifice. The suspect was also told that he was being placed into custody using Officer Talley's handcuffs. 

"This week several Boulder Police officers & others responded to a local hospital to formally place Monday’s shooting suspect into custody. As they did, officers informed him the handcuffs used that day were those of Officer Eric Talley. The suspect was then taken to jail 1/2," read the first part of the two-part tweet by BPD, where a black-and-white photo of the handcuffs was also attached. 

"It was our distinct honor to use Officer Talley’s handcuffs to formally process him into the jail. Though this was a small gesture, we hope it is the start of the healing process that so many of us need at this time. Officer Talley’s handcuffs are seen here 2/2," the police department added in the tweet thread. 

Twitter users expressed their condolences and sincere respect for the late officer, who was hailed as a hero for his bravery in the face of utmost danger. 

"We are extremely proud of our Boulder P.D. God bless Officer Talley and ALL the men and women of the department," tweeted one user. Another added, "We Salute You...America Salutes You Sir !" "What a great gesture!! Rest in Peace Officer Talley," tweeted another.

Officer Talley is survived by his wife and seven children. His public funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 11 am, at the Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette, as confirmed by Boulder Police Department.