James Burky and Elise Schmelzer
Denver Post
ARVADA — An off-duty Denver police detective was shot multiple times in both arms after interrupting a robbery in progress Wednesday in Arvada and a suspect has been arrested in connection.
The detective was in fair condition and is expected to survive, Dr. Stephen Wolf, an emergency room doctor at Denver Health, said at a news conference Wednesday morning at the hospital. The detective could be released as early as Thursday evening, Wolf said.
Denver police Chief Paul Pazen did not name the detective but said he had been on the force for 14 years and was a decorated member of the department.
“He is doing well and his family is doing well,” Pazen said.
Pazen declined to answer questions about the details surrounding the shooting, only saying that the detective was with a family member when he was shot.
The shooting occurred around 9 a.m. at 80th Avenue and Kipling Street near a Circle K gas station.
“People were leaving the gas station as it was happening and the detective was outside,” Arvada police spokesman David Snelling said. “Somehow, he was alerted of the robbery and intervened.”
The suspect fired at the detective and then drove off, he added. The suspect was later caught near 82nd Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard at an apartment complex. Police say he was taken into custody without incident and was not armed.
It is unclear whether the detective had a gun on him. Each department has its own concealed carry policy, Snelling said.
The detective arrived at the emergency room shortly after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. It wasn’t clear exactly how many times the detective was shot, but that his arms had multiple wounds, Wolf said.
Pazen teared up as he described receiving the call about the shooting. He has known the detective for most of his career and his willingness to intervene represents the department in the best possible light, Pazen said.
“He is somebody who is extremely professional and conscientious. By no means am I surprised this detective intervened,” Pazen said. “We can all learn something from him.”