Denver Officer Goes Into Alleged Drunken Rage, Beats Fellow Officer Who Is His Fiancé

WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4) - A Denver police officer is facing domestic violence charges for allegedly attacking his fiancé who is also a Denver officer.

The alleged incident occurred at a home in a Westminster neighborhood where there was also a brief standoff early last Friday morning.

Denver Police Officer Lane Gardner allegedly shoved his fiancé in a drunken rage and told her if she called the police she would be dead.

Neighbors awoke to SWAT teams swarming the neighborhood.

"There are six, seven, eight SWAT guys right along the fence in full gear," a neighbor said. "There's a sniper across the street."

CBS4's Tom Mustin spoke to the victim who didn't want to comment on camera but allowed CBS4 to take video of her injuries.

The victim said Gardner awoke from a drunken stupor and saw her wearing a Denver Fire sweatshirt and accused her of having an affair with a firefighter. The arrest affidavit says he told her "I hope you die" and then shoved her to the ground. She said she blacked out as he ripped the engagement ring off her finger and she felt something hit her face.

The victim then woke up and went outside and called 911. She told the operator that Gardner had several weapons inside the home and he talked about "shooting it out with officers."

Neighbors say the couple had just recently moved into the neighborhood.

"Like any other neighbor, mowing the lawn, taking walks, doing their thing," the neighbor said.

An ambulance took the victim to the hospital to be treated.

Gardner was arrested hours later after a standoff with police.

As the Denver officer recovers from her injuries, neighbors are looking for answers.

"You never expect that, so you just kind of go with it," the neighbor said.

Gardner has been charged with domestic violence and battery in Westminster. He's been placed on desk duty with the Denver Police Department pending the results of the investigation.