On Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at approximately 1:00 a.m., Westminster Police observed a stolen vehicle in the area of W. 72 nd Ave. and Federal Blvd. Officers searched for the vehicle and later noticed it being driven at W. 72 nd Ave. and Hooker St.
At approximately 2:50 a.m., Officers tried to stop the vehicle, which was a White GMC Yukon. The Yukon tried to elude officers by driving through the parking lot of the Hamburger Stand located near 72 nd and Hooker St. The suspect became "blocked-in" due to his driving actions and was stopped. Stop sticks were deployed on 72 nd Ave.
Officers tried to get the suspect out of the stolen vehicle. When they approached, he rammed two police cars and tried to run over officers who were on foot. Shots were fired by officers in an effort to defend themselves. A short pursuit ensued and the vehicle was last seen turning westbound on I-76 from Federal Blvd.
Surrounding agencies were notified to be on the lookout for this vehicle.
At about 3:10 a.m., Arvada Police were called to a vehicle that matched the description of the suspect vehicle. It appeared to have recent bullet holes.
Arvada Police, Westminster Police, and the Adams County Sheriff's Office set-up a perimeter and deployed K-9's to search for the suspect.
Several leads were being followed at this point. While working one lead, officers went to an apartment at W. 71 ST Ave. and Hooker St. While inside the apartment, the officers were faced with a deadly threat. Officers responded by shooting and a male was fatally wounded.
The incident is being investigated by the Adams County Critical Incident Team.
This team is a multi-jurisdictional team consisting of representatives from law enforcement agencies in AdamsCounty. The team will report their findings to the Westminster Police Department and the Adams County District Attorney's Office. This is routine procedure following an officer involved shooting.
No officers, nor uninvolved citizens were injured during this incident.
Further details are not available at this time due to the nature of the ongoing investigation. The Adams County Coroner's Office may be reached for identification of the deceased after positive identification has been made and family has been notified.
We are thankful no officers or uninvolved citizens were injured during this dangerous incident. We would also like to thank the Adams County Sheriff's Office and the Arvada Police Department for their immediate assistance.