Moments ago, Denver police resolved an active shooter situation in Southwest Denver. Police have called the scene very dangerous and are asking people to stay away. Here’s what we know so far…
Update:
UPDATE: The suspect from today's shooting is Daniel Abeyta (31). Held for inv 1* murder +other charges
— Denver Police Dept (@DenverPolice) August 17, 2013
1. Shooter Challenged Police To Shootout Over Phone
According to News 9, a man called police and told them he wanted to get in a gunfight with them. According to a Denver Police tweet, officers fired on the suspect when he attempted to explode an incendiary device as police approached. The shooter was able to explode one of the devices, but it did not cause any injuries. The devices, according to police, are propane tanks with gun powder on them.
The ordeal began when an 18-year-old called police about a man in the middle of the street with guns and a propane tank, according to KDVR.com.
“She just called me and said, ‘There is a guy in the street with two guns and a propane tank in the middle of the street,'” said Melissa Allen, the mother of the 18-year-old. “I just told her to hang up and call 911 and go to the back room and lay on the floor.”
UPDATE: CHief White says officers fired when suspect attempted to shoot incendiary device as they approached
— Denver Police Dept (@DenverPolice) August 16, 2013
KDVR reported that before police responded, the gunman may have shot someone.
Witnesses describe hearing a loud booming shot and then several shots from another gun.
— Julie Hayden (@HaydenTV) August 16, 2013
Denver Police have said that there are multiple victims at the scene. Police Chief White has confirmed two female victims, one of which was killed during today’s incident. One may have been located inside the shooter’s home. The surviving woman, who was shot in the leg, has been taken to hospital.
UPDATE: Chief White confirms 2 female victims – one dead from today's incident
— Denver Police Dept (@DenverPolice) August 16, 2013
UPDATE: Suspect has gunshot wound (will update by whom), possible fem victim in susp home. Will update as possible
— Denver Police Dept (@DenverPolice) August 16, 2013
PHOTO: Chief White speaks to the media pic.twitter.com/BO9pcFmq3n
— Denver Police Dept (@DenverPolice) August 16, 2013
The investigation is on-going.
UPDATE: There were multiple victs in this incident. It's also being investigated as an officer involved shooting. Will update here as able
— Denver Police Dept (@DenverPolice) August 16, 2013
2. Shooter Had Multiple Incendiary Devices On Scene
After the conclusion of the shootout, police brought in the bomb squad to help collect and remove evidence. The team found explosive devices, consisting of gas canisters with gun powder and a possible grenade.
SAFETY ALERT- PLEASE STAY INSIDE AS BOMB SQUAD DEALS WITH EVIDENCE
— Denver Police Dept (@DenverPolice) August 16, 2013
UPDATE: CHief White confirms incendiary devices are propane tanks with gunpowder, possible grenade, multiple devices in area
— Denver Police Dept (@DenverPolice) August 16, 2013
Bomb squad at that propane tank in the middle of the street after shooting. Updates: http://t.co/gFhEpvThfQ Pic: pic.twitter.com/uWCZMdwRLt
— 7NEWS Denver Channel (@DenverChannel) August 16, 2013
3. Incident Occured On The 2200 Block Of South Irving Street.
A look at S. Irving St shooting scene from @D7photog: pic.twitter.com/iTtHzf4RdE Details: http://t.co/DaNHv7Us2q
— 7NEWS Denver Channel (@DenverChannel) August 16, 2013
RT @KDVR: Scene from shooting in southwest Denver from @HaydenTV http://t.co/NV0KA348wu pic.twitter.com/U9jmpvOOzM
— Shaul Turner (@ShaulTurner) August 16, 2013
4. The Shooter Was Shot By Police, Tweeted Situation “Resolved”
Denver Police tweeted about the situation at 11:05 a.m. local time, according to 7News.
The shootout was announced as “resolved” 11:15 after the shooter was reported “down” through a Denver Police tweet.
UPDATE: Shooter "down" will update as we are able
— Denver Police Dept (@DenverPolice) August 16, 2013
SHOOTING SITUATION RESOLVED – Area secure. PLEASE ALLOW OFFICERS ROOM TO INVESTIGATE
— Denver Police Dept (@DenverPolice) August 16, 2013
The shooter has since been taken to hospital in an ambulance. His condition is currently listed as critical. 7News reported seeing two ambulance approach the scene, while a report of three ambulances responding to the scene was heard on police scanners. No police officers were injured in the incident.
Believe shooter in this ambulance. Police say he called wanting to have shootout. He had a rifle and propane tanks. pic.twitter.com/VV23WIdrND
— Brandon Rittiman (@BrandonRittiman) August 16, 2013
UPDATE: Suspect from this morning's incident is in critical condition at Denver Health Medical Center
— Denver Police Dept (@DenverPolice) August 16, 2013
Photos of gun, incendiary devices recovered from scene of formerly-active SW Denver shooting: http://t.co/IGu6rRnkCw pic.twitter.com/VbOKysRpPl
— KDVR FOX31 Denver (@KDVR) August 16, 2013
5. Police Fervently Asked Citizens To Stay Away From Area
Police asked citizens to stay away from the scene of the shooting, describing it as very dangerous in multiple all-caps tweets.
SW DENVER – PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND AND GET IN THE WAY. WE NEED ALL OFFICERS TO DEAL WITH SITUATION – NOT ONLOOKERS
— Denver Police Dept (@DenverPolice) August 16, 2013
ACTIVE SHOOTING SITUATION – VERY DANGEROUS – PLESE ALLOW POLICE TO HANDLE (SW Denver)
— Denver Police Dept (@DenverPolice) August 16, 2013