Holly MatkinDenver, CO – A plainclothes Denver police officer was shot in the back Tuesday night while investigating a report of a possible armed burglary in progress at a residence.
The incident began at approximately 4:04 p.m. on Nov. 9, when the Denver Police Department (DPD) received a call about a dispute over a dog in the area of West Kentucky Avenue and South Knox Court, KDVR reported.
Police responded to the scene and conducted a “civil standby” to monitor for any potential problems, according to DPD Division Chief Joe Montoya.
The officers handled the situation and cleared from the area, KUSA reported.
“The officers were there, communication between the individuals was had, and then they were done with it,” Chief Montoya said.
Officers were called back to the same home shortly before 5:30 p.m. after a caller reported someone was trying to break in, KDVR reported.
The caller said the suspect was possibly armed, Chief Montoya said.
The plainclothes officer arrived in the area approximately 10 minutes after the call came in and was scouting the neighborhood when someone opened fire on him, KDVR reported.
The officer, who was not wearing a ballistic vest, was hit in the back, DPD Chief Paul Pazen said during the press conference.
Chief Montoya said the round caused “significant injury” to the officer despite having not penetrated his flesh, KDVR reported.
He is expected to make a full recovery.
“We are very fortunate that our officer is still with us,” Chief Pazen added.
The wounded officer has been with the DPD for four years.
ALERT: #DPD is in the area of S. Knox & Kentucky working an incident in which an officer was shot. Officer has been transported and is in stable condition. One suspect in custody. No additional injuries reported at this time. Investigation ongoing. 1/x #Denver pic.twitter.com/KS7rJDt8OY
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) November 10, 2021
The gunman fled the scene but what quickly taken into custody by additional officers after a short vehicle pursuit, KDVR reported.
“He was resisting in the car and wouldn’t get out for fifteen minutes he was waiting there,” a witness told KCNC.
The suspect’s identity has not been released and it is unclear what charges he may face.
The DPD said no officers fired their weapons during the incident.
