Denver police are investigating an officer-involved shooting after officers shot and wounded a man who was reportedly armed with a knife in the city’s Globeville neighborhood on Sunday. Authorities said the man was taken to a hospital with injuries, while no officers were hurt during the encounter.
Incident
The shooting took place in the 700 block of E. 51st Avenue after Denver police responded to reports of a man allegedly harassing people in the area.
According to police, officers located the man after arriving at the scene and observed that he was holding a knife.
Response
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said officers repeatedly instructed the man to drop the knife. However, the man did not comply with those commands and instead ran from the officers.
Police pursued him on foot through the area.
Confrontation
During the pursuit, the man reportedly stopped, turned toward the officers, and began moving in their direction while still holding the knife.
Chief Thomas said one officer then fired multiple shots, striking the man several times.
The man was taken to a hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released information about his condition.
Background
According to Chief Thomas, the man was known to frequent the Globeville neighborhood.
He said officers had previously responded to calls involving the same individual related to reports of harassing behavior in the area.
Police have not released the man’s identity.
Investigation
As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, the incident is being investigated by agencies outside the Denver Police Department.
The Colorado Highway Patrol and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation will conduct the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the use of force.
Officials have not released additional details, including the identity of the officer involved or whether body camera footage will be made public.
Next Steps
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities gather evidence and review the events leading up to the shooting.
Officials are expected to examine witness statements, available video evidence, and other investigative findings before determining whether the officer’s use of force complied with department policy and state law.
FAQs
Where did the shooting happen?
The shooting occurred in Denver’s Globeville neighborhood.
Was anyone else injured?
No officers were injured during the incident.
Why were officers called?
Police responded to reports of a man harassing people.
Who is investigating the shooting?
The Colorado Highway Patrol and CBI are investigating.
Has the suspect been identified?
Police have not released the man’s identity.
