Suspect Killed In Denver Police Undercover Drug Operation

DENVER (CBS4)- Police officers in Denver shot and killed a suspect during an undercover drug investigation.

The shooting happened about 2:45 p.m. near Overland Pond Park at Platte River Drive and Florida where officers were conducting an undercover drug operation.

When uniformed officers moved in to make an arrest the suspect produced a handgun and threatened officers.

Denver Police Chief Robert White said the suspect was shot and killed by uniformed officers. He was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

"The only person who pulled a gun was the suspect, and the officer that the suspect pointed the gun at, he produced his gun after a weapon was pulled on him," said White. "We're dealing with some trying times as it relates to dealing with drugs. We're out there, aggressively trying to do all that we can to abate some of these issues as it relates to drugs."

The identity of the suspect has not been released.

"This is one of those examples where officers are out doing their job, doing what's expected of them and unfortunately confronted by an individual with a gun and they did what appeared to be the most appropriate thing and protecting, in this case, this particular officer and other officers around."