Police Investigate Deadly Shooting At Park, Chase Follows
DENVER (CBS4)- Police in Denver were investigating a deadly shooting at a park when a man tried to get away and led police on a chase that ended when an officer crashed into a tree.
The shooting happened about 10 a.m. Saturday at Harvard Gulch West Park on Federal Blvd. and Vassar. When police arrived, the victim was dead.
Officers said their investigation led them to a home two blocks away on Clay Street.
"We are talking to witnesses and people in the area to see what they did see and we're following up on every lead we get," said Denver Police spokesman Sonny Jackson.
That's where police say a man with outstanding warrants sped away from officers in a red SUV, leading them on a chase down Federal Boulevard. The pursuit ended in the city of Sheridan, after an officer crashed into a tree and other officers crashed into the suspect.
"Unfortunately in that situation, one of our officers did lose control of his vehicle and stack it up a few blocks down. His injuries are very minor," said Jackson.,
Residents were shocked by what happened.
"This was just a complete shock to myself and to all of the neighbors and the merchants in the area," said Hope Motor Company owner Gary Chavez.
"The cop car swung around and hit the red van," said witness William Martinez.
Martinez said a patrol car crashed into his son-in-law's car before officers caught up to the fleeing suspect.
"That's awful dangerous in a residential neighborhood," said Martinez. "The car is ... you can replace cars. But if it would have been one of the kids ... you can't replace kids."
The driver of the red SUV was arrested for eluding police and for his outstanding warrants. His identity has not been released.
Police have not confirmed whether he was connected to the shooting. The male victim in the deadly shooting has not been identified. Police have not released any suspect description in connection with the shooting.
