Shelter-in-place lifted following shots fired during traffic stop in Thornton; suspect remains at-large
The Thornton Police Department is continuing their search for an armed suspect who went on a crime spree across Thornton Friday morning.
Thornton PD currently in the area of 115th and Colorado Blvd invest. shots fired during a traffic stop. Please shelter in place. This is a very active scene. Please shelter in place. pic.twitter.com/va69hewZod
— Thornton Police Dept (@ThorntonPolice) April 9, 2021
The man allegedly pointed a handgun at two officers, who then fired at the suspect. It is unknown if the man was struck or fired at officers, said Joe Walker, the public information officer for the department.
Department officials described the suspect as a man in his late 20s to 30s, tall and thin and was wearing a black hat, black hoodie, white t-shirt and blue jeans. The man is believed to be armed with a handgun.
Officers responded to a report of a burglary and possible felony menacing in the area of 9700 Welby Road at 8:27 p.m. Upon their arrival, they spotted the suspect who then pointed a handgun in their direction, but began to flee on foot.
A short pursuit ensued until the man went into a vehicle and fled. He ultimately crash as police pursued the vehicle into a fence at 115th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.
Following the crash, officers attempted to apprehend the man who then pointed a gun at officers, who then fired at the man, Walker said.
The man ran into the neighborhood and stole a gold Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was later recovered in the 10300 block of Tenby Lane, Walker said.
**Update** suspect may have stolen a gold Jeep Grand Cherokee from the area. License Plate #OLD489. If seen call 911. Do not approach the vehicle as the suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous.
— Thornton Police Dept (@ThorntonPolice) April 9, 2021
As a response to the active situation, TPD issued a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area, which was lifted around around 10:17 a.m.
**Update** CodeRed notification to the immediate area being sent out. Shelter in place advised. Updates will continue here as available.
— Thornton Police Dept (@ThorntonPolice) April 9, 2021
Two schools, Woodglenn and Cherry Drive Elementary Schools were placed on secure alert status, which continues learning operations, but prohibits anyone from entering or leaving the school.
The schools were lifted from secure alert status shortly after 11 a.m., said Christine Dahmen, the communications manager for the Adams 12 Five Star School District.
However, Explore Elementary School was placed on secure alert status for more than an hour out of an abundance of caution, Walker said.
Police are actively investigating the incident with several crime scenes across Thornton.
**Update** This incident is being investigated as an officer-involved shooting. #TPDOIS115thColo
— Thornton Police Dept (@ThorntonPolice) April 9, 2021
An additional investigation by the Adams County Critical Incident Team will look into the officer involved shooting. Two officers have been placed on administrative leave, Walker said.
Officials are urging the public to not approach the suspect if observed and to call 9-1-1 immediately.