Jefferson County SWAT Sergeant Admitted He Was Drunk During Evergreen HS Shooting Response, Records Show

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — Newly released internal-affairs documents show that a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT sergeant admitted to drinking “the better part” of a 12-pack of beer hours before responding to the shooting at Evergreen High School earlier this year.

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According to documents obtained by Denver7, Sgt. Anthony Hamilton first denied allegations of intoxication but later acknowledged drinking heavily the night before and again the morning of the shooting. Investigators wrote that he stopped drinking around 11 a.m. — roughly 80 minutes before 911 calls began coming in from the high school.

Multiple deputies reported they noticed the smell of alcohol on Hamilton once he arrived at the scene. Several also told investigators that his eyes were bloodshot, he appeared unsteady, and he attempted to mask the odor of alcohol with coffee.

Deputies further reported that Hamilton seemed “distant” and “out of character” during the response and at times entered rooms his team had not been assigned to clear, behavior described as unusual in a live tactical situation.

Internal documents state that Hamilton drove himself to the school in his take-home patrol vehicle, armed and in full SWAT gear, while under the influence.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office opened an internal investigation after multiple team members raised concerns. Hamilton was placed on administrative leave during the inquiry and ultimately resigned from the department in lieu of termination.

A sheriff’s office spokesperson said the conduct described in the investigation “falls far outside the standards and expectations of the agency,” adding that the department is committed to transparency and accountability.

No injuries to students or staff were attributed to Hamilton’s condition during the response.