Five people, including the suspect, were killed in the metro area of Denver, Colorado on Monday following a string of shootings, according to media reports citing law enforcement officials. One police officer was also been injured in the altercation and was taken to a nearby hospital.
While the motive for the shooting remains unclear, authorities have said that there is no active threat to the community.
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Paul Pazen, the Denver Police Chief said in a news conference on Monday, “There are four significant locations where gunfire took place in the City and County of Denver”, according to reports from CNN.
The first shooting incident was reported around 7 PM ET on Monday, which resulted in the death of two adult women and left one man injured, Pazen explained in the presser.
While the third shooting did not claim any lives in the area, the second incident resulted in the death of one man, CNN reported. “This one individual was responsible for this very violent crime spree that took place this evening”, law enforcement authorities said.
Officials from the Denver Police Department said they identified a vehicle that was linked to the incident, following which they started a pursuit. Exchange of gunfire between the suspect and police was reported, however, no one was injured.
John Romero, the Lakewood Police spokesperson said in a statement that the suspect “allegedly felony menaced another business with a firearm before retreating to the Hyatt Place”, according to reports from CNN.
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At the hotel, the suspect “allegedly shot one of the clerks there — that person was taken to the hospital — we do not know the extent of the injuries there or exactly how that person is doing,” Romero continued.
While fleeing from the scene, the suspect shot one of the law enforcement officers and was then killed in the shootout. The police officer is currently undergoing surgery.
