Police Investigate Fatal Shooting In West Denver

DENVER (CBS4) - Police in Denver are investigating a fatal shooting in the Sloan's Lake area Tuesday morning.

The shooting occurred in the 1600 block of Yates Street at approximately 10:40 a.m.

Police were questioning the person responsible for the shooting. Police said that there was a confrontation and self-defense may be a factor in the incident.

"When (officers) arrived they found an adult male that was deceased on the property," Sgt. Steve Warneke with Denver police said. "We are not sure about the details of this, whether or not this was an intruder."

The original 911 call came into police as a shooting and not a home invasion.

"Every time, even in a police shooting, when someone is shot and killed it is considered a homicide," Warneke said.

Neighbor Rosina Aurora told CBS4 she heard the gunshots and she immediately went to check on her neighbor.

"I knew it was gunshots," Aurora said. "When I opened the door I heard the gentleman say, 'Call the police!' Right away I came back inside and called the police."

Aurora says many in the area, including the suspect, are involved in an unofficial neighborhood watch program,

"He's a good neighbor, he's a good guy," she said.

The suspect has been released pending further investigation.

Police say it will be up to the district attorney to decide if formal charges will be filed.