Denver Detective Shot After Interrupting Robbery

Arvada, CO – An off-duty Denver police detective was shot multiple times while trying to stop a robbery on Wednesday.

Arvada Police Department Spokeswoman Sarah Horan told reporters that the incident began at about 9:47 a.m. when police received an emergency call about shots fired at the Circle K gas station located at 80th and Kipling.

The detective was nearby with a family member and became aware of the robbery in progress and tried to intervene.

Horan said the armed suspect encountered the Denver detective as he was exiting the store and immediately opened fire on the officer.

She said it wasn’t yet known whether the detective returned fire.

The suspect fled and has not yet been apprehended, KDVR reported.

He has been described as a white man, between five-feet-eight-inches tall and six-feet-tall, wearing a tan Carhart jacket and jeans.

Police said the suspect was also wearing a black ski mask, KDVR reported.

He may be driving a silver Chevrolet Equinox.

Horan said the brave, wounded detective is an example of the risks law enforcement officers face on and off-duty.

“It shows that he kinda went above and beyond what his duties were and unfortunately was injured,” Horan told reporters.

Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen commended the detective’s family member who was with the detective when he was shot.

Chief Pazen said the family member provided emergency care and assisted the detective until the ambulance arrived to transport him to Denver Health.

The chief did not release the detective’s name but said that he has been on the police force for 14 years and has received numerous awards and acknowledgements for distinguished work for the Denver Police Department.

He said the detective was being treated for his wounds and was in stable condition.

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