Denver police recently released body-worn camera footage of an officer shooting a teenage suspect in Paco Sánchez Park. The incident occurred after officers responded to ShotSpotter reports in the 1300 block of Lowell Boulevard and found shell casings in the area. A resident who called 911 reported seeing a group of people on scooters and bikes fleeing the scene.
Upon locating a group of four juvenile males on scooters near West 13th Avenue and Knox Court, one officer recognized one of the teens as a suspect in a previous shooting. The officer observed the 17-year-old holding a gun and ordered him to drop it. When the teen allegedly turned towards the officer, the officer fired his weapon, hitting the teen at least once in the leg.
Body-worn camera footage of the incident shows the officer commanding the teen to drop the gun before opening fire. The officer fired his gun 10 times before police caught up to the injured teen. The teen, who was found with a Glock handgun, is currently in custody on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with a previous shooting.
Another teen seen running in the video was also arrested on suspicion of weapons charges after police found him in possession of a Glock with an extended magazine and auto sear. Chief Ron Thomas defended the officer’s actions, stating that he perceived a significant threat to the community and responded appropriately.
The injured teen was transported to the hospital and is expected to recover. Investigators recovered a Glock along the park path with one round in the chamber, as well as a magazine elsewhere in the park. The incident has sparked controversy and debate over police use of force and the handling of armed suspects.
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