Colorado Police Officer, Suspect Killed After Exchange of Gunfire
A Colorado police officer and suspect were both dead after they opened fire in a shopping district in a Denver suburb.
The Arvada Police Department said that the deceased officer was responding to a shooting in the city's Olde Town district, according to a Fox News report.
Meanwhile, the suspect died at the scene and was taken to another hospital. The police officer was also placed in a hospital after the shooting incident.
Arvada Deputy Chief Ed Brady said that they have yet to release the identity of the veteran police officer until his family has been notified.
Arvada police revealed the suspect has shot and killed another person. However, the victim's identity has not yet been released publicly.
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Police Investigation
Police had also searched a vehicle in the area for explosives, according to a CBS Local report.
Police said they are not looking for any additional suspects, adding that there is no longer any threat to the public.
Witnesses said that they heard gunshots and ran for cover inside a restaurant. Meanwhile, police advised the public to stay away from the area during the investigation.
Authorities had closed much of Olde Town Arvada on Monday night due to the ongoing investigation.
Arvada Mayor Marc Williams said in a statement that it is a sad day for the city of Arvada. He added that the community has been very safe for many years.
He also noted that the city has only lost two officers on duty in the history of the city. Those incidents did not involve any firearm.
Williams said that the community is shocked and saddened due to the incident, reminding them how important that police officers are safe as they own them so much.
Meanwhile, Brady did not offer any additional information and did not take questions from reporters at the news conference.
He also did not state a motive for the shooting or explained why one of the people was called a Samaritan, according to a Denver Post report.
Employees at the Arvada Chamber of Commerce sheltered in the building's basement more than an hour after the shooting.
Arvada Chamber President Kami Welch said that their hearts are with the Arvada Police Department and to those who were affected today.
Community Grieving
The mayor was only a few blocks away from the scene and saw a dozen police officers going to the shopping district.
He did not hear any gunshots but he said he knew something was wrong because of the fast patrol cars heading to the area.
Williams said that Olde Town is such a vibrant part of their community.
The City Hall was closed for the remainder of the day after the shooting. Officials also canceled the City Council meeting that was scheduled for Monday night.
The Arvada officer that was killed in the second Colorado police officer to die while responding to shooting this year.
In March, Boulder police officer Eric Talley died while responding to a mass shooting inside a King Soopers grocery store.
Gov. Jared Polis said that his thoughts are with the family and friends of the officer who was killed in the line of duty.
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WATCH: Shooting in Olde Town Arvada leaves officer dead - from 9News
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