THORNTON, CO - A police officer in Colorado was shot and a second was struck with shrapnel in an officer-involved shooting that left the suspect dead, in Thornton, a suburb of Denver. The incident began with a resident walking a dog on Wednesday morning reported hearing a popping noise or gunshots coming from a home.
As reported by CBS News, Officers arrived and reported shots fired from within the home. Thornton Interim Police Chief Greg Reeves told reporters, "Officers were on scene about 9:05, 9:06 and a male did present himself from the house with what we believe was a long rifle and began firing at our officers on the scene."
During a press conference later in the afternoon, Reeves told reporters that the officers did attempt to negotiate with the armed assailant before he opened fire on officers.
"Two of our officers did take shrapnel or gunfire," Reeves continued. The Chief explained that his officers believed they struck the assailant with return fire. He then retreated into the residence. A SWAT team was dispatched to the scene and officers entered the home and found the suspect, an adult male, dead.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement after the shooting, “In Colorado, our law enforcement officers go above and beyond to put criminals behind bars and keep our communities safe. I am relieved to hear the two officers injured during the shooting this morning in Thorton are stable and wish them a speedy and healthy recovery. Gun violence has no place in Colorado, and we will continue to protect Coloradans, law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.”
As reported by CBS News, Officers arrived and reported shots fired from within the home. Thornton Interim Police Chief Greg Reeves told reporters, "Officers were on scene about 9:05, 9:06 and a male did present himself from the house with what we believe was a long rifle and began firing at our officers on the scene."
During a press conference later in the afternoon, Reeves told reporters that the officers did attempt to negotiate with the armed assailant before he opened fire on officers.
"Two of our officers did take shrapnel or gunfire," Reeves continued. The Chief explained that his officers believed they struck the assailant with return fire. He then retreated into the residence. A SWAT team was dispatched to the scene and officers entered the home and found the suspect, an adult male, dead.
“Today, we were far too close to losing one of our own officers, and I’m thankful that these officers who were injured are now safe and expected to recover,” Greeves said according to Colorado Community Media.
The chief provided an update on the officer who suffered a gunshot wound stating that he suffered a serious gunshot wound to the shoulder and was hospitalized, but he is expected to recover. The second officer who suffered a shrapnel injury was treated and released.Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement after the shooting, “In Colorado, our law enforcement officers go above and beyond to put criminals behind bars and keep our communities safe. I am relieved to hear the two officers injured during the shooting this morning in Thorton are stable and wish them a speedy and healthy recovery. Gun violence has no place in Colorado, and we will continue to protect Coloradans, law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.”
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