THORNTON, CO - Authorities with the Thornton Police Department (TPD) confirmed that an officer was shot by a suspect after the suspect grabbed for the officer's gun in its holster during a struggle. The suspect was fatally shot by another officer on scene and the wounded officer has recently been released by the hospital, and is expected to recover.
According to CBS News, TPD said that the shooting happened near Thornton Parkway and Gale Boulevard and was first reported around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24th. Officers were reportedly searching for a suspect for their connection to an assault at a nearby gas station.
When officers found the suspect, a physical struggle ensued and the suspect, who has not been named at this time, grabbed an officer's gun. In a news release, TPD said, "The officer struggled to retain his weapon. During the struggle the officer was shot and suffered a serious injury."
Another officer on scene shot the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. TPD said that the officer who was shot was taken to a nearby hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. As of this writing, neither the deceased suspect or the officers involved have been identified.
However, TPD said that the officer who fired their duty weapon has been on the force for a year. Per departmental policy, that officer has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation takes place. The 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Review Team will investigate the shooting.
In a separate incident, an armed man shot three tree workers while they were clearing trees for a power company near Murphytown, North Carolina, before being shot by police during his arrest. According to ABC News, in a statement from the Yancey County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) authorities said that 36-year-old Lucas Wilson Murphy confronted the workers clearing the way.
Authorities said, "Mr. Murphy was armed during the confrontation with the tree service workers, and subsequently, three workers were shot. All three victims sustained serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals where they are receiving medical treatment."
Yancey County Deputies responded to the scene immediately and while attempting to arrest Murphy, exchanged gunfire. Authorities said, "During this exchange, an officer-involved shooting took place, resulting in Mr. Murphy sustaining and injury. He was then immediately taken into custody. Murphy was transported to an area hospital, where he is being treated for his injury."
As of this writing, authorities have not released a possible motive. YCSO and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation will be conducting a thorough investigation of the incident.
Following the shooting, Yancey County Sheriff Shane Hilliard said in a post on social media, "I want to start out by saying that my thoughts and prayers are with the Asplundh victims of today's shooting for a speedy recovery. I am so proud of my incredible deputies and dispatchers! They did an awesome job responding and getting the situation under control quickly. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Heritage EMS, the out-of-county EMS departments, fire departments, rescue squad, and the other law enforcement agencies that sent personnel to assist."
According to CBS News, TPD said that the shooting happened near Thornton Parkway and Gale Boulevard and was first reported around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24th. Officers were reportedly searching for a suspect for their connection to an assault at a nearby gas station.
When officers found the suspect, a physical struggle ensued and the suspect, who has not been named at this time, grabbed an officer's gun. In a news release, TPD said, "The officer struggled to retain his weapon. During the struggle the officer was shot and suffered a serious injury."
Another officer on scene shot the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. TPD said that the officer who was shot was taken to a nearby hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. As of this writing, neither the deceased suspect or the officers involved have been identified.
However, TPD said that the officer who fired their duty weapon has been on the force for a year. Per departmental policy, that officer has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation takes place. The 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Review Team will investigate the shooting.
In a separate incident, an armed man shot three tree workers while they were clearing trees for a power company near Murphytown, North Carolina, before being shot by police during his arrest. According to ABC News, in a statement from the Yancey County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) authorities said that 36-year-old Lucas Wilson Murphy confronted the workers clearing the way.
Authorities said, "Mr. Murphy was armed during the confrontation with the tree service workers, and subsequently, three workers were shot. All three victims sustained serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals where they are receiving medical treatment."
Yancey County Deputies responded to the scene immediately and while attempting to arrest Murphy, exchanged gunfire. Authorities said, "During this exchange, an officer-involved shooting took place, resulting in Mr. Murphy sustaining and injury. He was then immediately taken into custody. Murphy was transported to an area hospital, where he is being treated for his injury."
As of this writing, authorities have not released a possible motive. YCSO and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation will be conducting a thorough investigation of the incident.
Following the shooting, Yancey County Sheriff Shane Hilliard said in a post on social media, "I want to start out by saying that my thoughts and prayers are with the Asplundh victims of today's shooting for a speedy recovery. I am so proud of my incredible deputies and dispatchers! They did an awesome job responding and getting the situation under control quickly. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Heritage EMS, the out-of-county EMS departments, fire departments, rescue squad, and the other law enforcement agencies that sent personnel to assist."
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