In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a police pursuit in the Denver area culminated in a deadly shooting involving law enforcement officers. The incident, which unfolded across several jurisdictions, left two suspects dead. Here’s what we know:

The Pursuit Begins

The Thornton Police Department initiated the pursuit after noticing a suspicious vehicle lacking license plates in the vicinity of East 84th Avenue and Washington Street at approximately 2:37 a.m. Officers trailed the car for nearly 13 miles into Lakewood.

Shots Fired

As the pursuit extended into Lakewood, the situation escalated when a suspect disembarked from the vehicle at the intersection of Alameda Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard, approximately 16 miles from the starting point. Thornton police reported that the suspect opened fire on officers. The pursuit continued for about 3 more miles until it concluded near West 2nd Avenue and Garrison Street.

Fatal Outcome

At the culmination of the chase, two suspects exited the vehicle, with one reportedly armed with a handgun. Law enforcement officers discharged their weapons, striking both suspects. Tragically, both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities will be disclosed at a later time.

Investigation and Response

Following the incident, multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Jefferson County Critical Incident Response Team, mobilized to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The officers involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave, as per standard protocol. Details regarding the number of officers involved and the quantity of shots fired remain undisclosed at this time.

Eyewitness Accounts

Residents in the vicinity of the shooting provided harrowing firsthand accounts of the events. Witness statements underscored the intensity of the situation, with descriptions of numerous police vehicles and the sound of gunfire piercing the early morning silence.

Community Impact

The incident caused disruption to the local community, with road closures along Garrison Street between 1st and 3rd place. Normal traffic flow resumed later in the morning, following the conclusion of investigative procedures.

Conclusion: Seeking Clarity in Tragic Circumstances

As investigations into the pursuit and subsequent shooting continue, the community awaits further details regarding the sequence of events and the identities of those involved. The ramifications of this tragic incident serve as a sobering reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in law enforcement operations.

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