The Briefing
- Denver Police Department officers responded 8:45 p.m. to reports of an armed robbery at a Maverik convenience store on South Parker Road in southeast Denver.
- Suspect locked two clerks inside the store, fired at officers when they attempted to intervene; the suspect was shot and killed.
- One officer and two store clerks were injured with non-life-threatening wounds; investigation underway into circumstances of the exchange.
Rapid Response to a High-Risk Call
Shortly after 8:45 p.m., Denver Police officers arrived at the 3200 block of South Parker Road to a reported armed robbery at the Maverik convenience store. A witness outside the store told officers the suspect had locked him and two clerks inside. Denver Gazette+1
Less than a minute into the response, gunshots erupted from within the store. Officers forced entry and found the suspect firing at them while the hostages remained inside.
Shootout Ends Violently
In the resulting confrontation, the suspect was shot and later died from his wounds. The Denver Police Department confirmed one officer took a gunshot wound to the leg and underwent surgery; two clerks sustained injuries that were later described as non-life-threatening.
Investigators are examining whether clerks’ injuries were caused by the suspect or by police fire. Officials said several officers returned fire during the incident.
Lessons for First Responders
This incident highlights how quickly a seemingly routine robbery call can escalate into a life-threatening standoff. Key take-aways:
- Tactical readiness: Officers must be prepared for ambush scenarios even in retail settings.
- Structural awareness: Stores with hostages inside require rapid ingress and coordinated entry.
- Medical readiness: Swift care for wounded officers and civilians is essential to reduce final casualties.
As Denver’s Chief Ron Thomas stated, “These officers acted with urgency and precision — preventing a greater tragedy.”
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