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The murder at Aurora’s Bronco Bar wasn’t the only example of gunfire in the metro area last night. Two people were also shot in Commerce City — and the individuals behind the triggers were Denver police officers.
Continue for details about the incident, which flowed from a failed traffic stop.
See also: Update: Jahvell Forrest Busted in Shooting of Aurora Cop Ryan Burns
According to the Commerce City Police Department, the chain of events started when Denver police officers attempted to stop a car near Interstate 70 and Havana Street, an area captured in the following interactive graphic. If you have problems seeing the image, click “View Larger Map.”
The person behind the vehicle’s wheel was suspected of DUI and eluding — and indeed, the CCPD confirms that the driver failed to stop when they attempted to pull him over.
The Denver cops didn’t pursue the ride at that point, but it was spotted a short time later (around 11 p.m.) near 56th Avenue and Holly Street in Commerce City. Here’s an interactive graphic from the second location.
The CCPD notes that the vehicle was parked between two semi-tractor trailers. But when officers approached on foot, the vehicle took off again, striking a Denver police cruiser.
At that point, shots were fired, and both passengers in the suspect vehicle were hit.
The injured passengers were taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for their injuries, and the CCPD reveals that both are expected to survive.
No officers were hurt.
Because the resolution of the matter took place in Commerce City, investigators there are looking into what’s termed “the criminal behavior of the two males taken into custody.”
Meanwhile, jurisdiction for the shooting falls to the Adams County Critical Incident Team.
Thus far, there’s been no official response about what went down from the Denver Police Department. However, standard procedure calls for officers involved in a shooting to be placed on leave with pay until an investigation into the episode is concluded.
Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.
