Date – December 7, 2019

An adult male committed several armed robberies, with a knife, at auto parts stores throughout the northern metro area this evening.  A similar robbery occurred in Federal Heights along 84^th Avenue a little before 8:00pm.  This robbery started as a theft, but when a store employee confronted the suspect he produced a knife and the employee suffered a minor injury to his hand.  He did not require immediate medical attention.  

A few minutes later a Federal Heights officer located the suspect’s Chevrolet Silverado at the 7-11 on 92^nd Avenue and Pecos Street.  We have no indications the suspect attempted to rob this store.  As he left 7-11, a Federal Heights officer attempted a traffic stop and the suspect fled westbound on 92^nd Avenue.  A crash occurred in the intersection of 92^nd Avenue and Federal Boulevard involving the suspect’s truck and two other vehicles.  No officers from the Thornton or Westminster Police Departments were involved in the pursuit. 

The Westminster Fire Department transported an adult male and the Federal Heights Fire Department transported an adult female who were injured during the accident.  We do not know their current condition or the extent of their injuries. 

Officers from the Thornton and Westminster Police Departments were in the area and watched the suspect run from the crash.  Several officers chased the suspect on foot and quickly lost sight of him as he jumped a fence into the back lot of a tire store.

Officers began to establish a perimeter and utilized a K9 officer to assist.  Officers indicated they heard what sounded like gunshots coming from within the fenced area.  The suspect was confronted by officers as he climbed over a fence into a neighboring condominium complex. 

An officer deployed his Taser prior to several officers firing their weapons.  Two Westminster officers, one Thornton officer and one Federal Heights officer discharged their gun.  The suspect had a handgun, but it is unknown at this time if he fired any rounds at officers when the officer involved shooting occurred. 

The Federal Heights officer was wearing a body worn camera.  Thornton initiated a body worn camera program in November of this year, but the officers who were involved in the shooting have not been issued their cameras at this time.  The Westminster Police Department is conducting extensive research into the use of body worn cameras but we currently do not have a camera program.  Questions specific to each agencies body worn camera program should be directed to the individual agency. 

The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.  His identity will be released by the Adams County Coroner.  The 17^th Judicial District Critical Incident Investigation Team is handling the officer involved shooting.  The 17^th Judicial District is comprised of Adams and Broomfield Counties.  The Colorado State Patrol is investigating the traffic accident.  The Federal Heights Police Department is the primary investigating agency for the originating robbery.