Holly MatkinBroomfield, CO – A Denver police officer was shot in the neck while attempting to arrest a fleeing homicide suspect on Thursday afternoon.
The incident began at approximately 3 p.m. on Sept. 29, when the Denver Police Department (DPD) Fugitive Unit requested assistance from the Broomfield Police Department (BPD) with the apprehension of a fugitive who was traveling southbound on Sheridan in a white Ford Edge, BPD Public Information Officer Rachel Haslett told reporters during a press conference.
The suspect ended up turning onto Midway Boulevard and slammed into a blue Ford Explorer, then bailed out of the white car and attempted to carjack a nearby gray sedan, according to Officer Haslett.
As the attempted carjacking was taking place near Midway Boulevard and Sheridan Boulevard, police closed in on the armed suspect and an exchange of gunfire erupted, The Denver Post reported.
“The suspect got out, left the shoes behind as you can see the shoes near the vehicle, and ran and started firing shots at the officers at that time,” Officer Haslett said, according to CBS News.
Police immediately returned fire.
When the shootout ended, the gunman was lying dead in the street and a veteran DPD officer had been shot in the neck, according to police.
The identity of the deceased suspect was not immediately released.
The wounded officer was rushed to a local hospital and was later listed in stable condition, CBS News reported.
DPD Interim Chief Ron Thomas said he visited the 20-year department veteran at the hospital and that he is expected to make a full recovery, according to The Denver Post.
“We are thankful that no more people were injured,” Officer Haslett said during a press conference on Thursday evening. “This could have been much worse.”
Investigators said a woman was inside the vehicle with the suspect when the shootout occurred, The Denver Post reported.
She was not injured and was not immediately taken into custody.
Officer Haslett said investigators are still working to determine the woman’s level of involvement with the incident.
Two children who were inside the Ford Explorer when the suspect crashed into it were not injured during the collision, KUSA reported.
“I think it’s important to recognize the fact that, while we’re certainly thankful our officer looks like they’re going to pull through this incident, there was a loss of life [today], and that’s unfortunate,” Chief Thomas said, according to KUSA.
The BPD is leading the ongoing investigation into the fatal officer-involved shooting.
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