Date – December 27, 2019

Today at 7:46 am, employees from the Grease Monkey at 7810 Sheridan Boulevard called the Westminster Police Department because they believed a male waiting for a bus outside their business was the same person who broke into the business on Monday night, December 23rd. 

While officers were responding, the male walked south out of the employee’s view.  Officers observed the male in the area, and when they attempted to contact him he ran away on foot.  An officer tried to apprehend the suspect, utilizing a Taser, but this was ineffective.  A struggle ensued and the suspect was able to get away and get into the driver’s seat of the police car. 

During this confrontation the officer suffered minor injuries and would later be taken to the hospital by fellow officers.  The patrol car that was stolen is a black and white marked Westminster Police SUV equipped with lights and siren.  Westminster patrol vehicles are equipped with Remington 870 shotguns which are secured in a locking storage rack.  With access to the stolen vehicle, the suspect could access the shotgun if he knew the release procedure.  The shotgun was not accessed by the suspect in this incident. 

The police car is equipped with GPS and other officers utilized this to locate the suspect.  A short pursuit ended when the suspect drove down a dead end on Heather Place.  At some point, more than one officer discharged their handgun and another officer pinned the stolen police car at the end of the cul-de-sac. The suspect was not injured in the shooting and was taken into custody. 

The 17^th Judicial District Adams County Critical Incident Investigation Team is handling the officer involved shooting investigation.  Detectives from the Westminster Police Department are handling the burglary investigation. 

The suspect, Shawn Baumgardner (DOB: 01-09-87), is being held at the Adams County Jail on the following charges:

2019-15994

1. 18-4-302 (1)(b)         Aggravated Robbery Knowingly wounds or strikes 
2. 18-3-202(1)(E)           Assault in the First Degree on a Peace Officer
3. 18-8-112(1)                 Impersonating a Peace Officer
4. 18-4-409 (2)(F)         Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft First Degree $20,000 - $100,000
5. 18-12-108(1)               Possession of a Weapon by Previous Offenders
6. 18-9-116.5(2)(A)        Vehicular Eluding            
7. 18-8-104(1)(A)           Obstructing a Peace Officer
8. 18-8-103 (1)(A)          Resisting Arrest

2019-15870

1. 18-4-203                    Second Degree Burglary.