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Denver Police's ShotSpotter Tech Nabs 3 Suspects

DENVER (CBS4) - New technology that Denver police hope helps them track down gunshots faster proved successful nearly immediately on Thursday night.

As Denver police were demonstrating ShotSpotter -- a high-tech listening device that determines where shots are fired -- to CBS4 on Thursday, it pinpointed the location of gunfire northeast of downtown.

"We activated ShotSpotter yesterday afternoon and last night we got a hit," police spokesman Sonny Jackson said. "It was pretty spot on. We weren't searching around for where did it happen."

At about 8 p.m. Thursday -- just a few hours after the program went online -- police learned shots rang out in the 3100 block of North Williams Street, northeast of downtown.

When officers arrived, they discovered multiple shell casings on the ground. Officer learned where the suspects were hiding and arrested three men with outstanding warrants. Officers also recovered a gun.

"It led us to the individuals who were wanted by the law," Jackson said.

Resident Kris Rabida, who heard the shooting from his home, said the police's new technology is a step in the right direction.

"I think it's great," he said. "Whatever can get police to a scene of a crime as soon as possible."

No one was hurt in Thursday' shooting, although a home was hit. It's still under investigation.

RELATED: 'ShotSpotter' Listens For Gunfire, Will Help Denver Cops Find Shooting Locations

 

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