1 dead in Broomfield apartment shooting; suspect shot, injured by officers

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Broomfield police took a seriously injured suspect into custody following what they called an active shooting at an apartment complex that led to a female victim’s death.

At 6:34 a.m. Thursday, the Broomfield Police Department said officers were called to a disturbance at the Arista Flats apartments at 8200 Arista Place, east of Wadsworth Parkway near the former 1stBank Center.

Suspect made threats aimed at victim, police

According to Rachel Haslett with Broomfield police, when officers got to the unit, they heard a man making threats and then gunshots. Haslett said the suspect was shooting at surrounding units and into the parking lot.

It is unclear how many shots the suspect fired, but Haslett said they were sporadic. The suspect allegedly made threats aimed at officers, and Haslett said the scene quickly became dangerous to both officers and nearby residents.

Broomfield called the incident an active shooter scene and warned area residents to stay away because it was “not safe.” A reverse 911 message was sent to the area telling residents to shelter in place, and some of the apartment complex’s units were evacuated.

The suspect was not identified by police other than to say he is a 34-year-old male. The agency said he will face charges, but did not include any potential counts. The incident resulted in the death of a female victim, who was inside the unit with the suspect when the incident began, according to police.

It is currently unknown the relationship between the suspect and the victim, but the victim’s identity is being withheld until a later time by the Broomfield and Adams County Coroner.

The hostage situation took nearly four hours, and Haslett said Broomfield police had to force their way into the unit to take the male suspect into custody at around 10 a.m.

Haslett said one Broomfield police officer fired their weapon. In an afternoon release, the agency said the 34-year-old suspect was shot by law enforcement before his arrest and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Multiple law enforcement receiving minor injuries, for which they were treated and released.

Haslett said some residents claimed they did not receive the Reverse 911 alert. Residents must sign up for the emergency notifications online.

Broomfield police were assisted by several other jurisdictions including North Metro Fire Rescue, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Westminster police, SWAT and crisis negotiators.

Residents recall hearing gunshots in early morning hours

Some of the gunshots heard by residents of the Arista Flats were captured on video. Mark Gabriel Ciriaco captured some video of the gunshots and lives above the suspect’s apartment.

FOX31’s Vicente Arenas asked Ciriaco about what was going through his mind while taking the video.

“I was very confused. I didn’t know what was happening. I was kind of scared,” Ciriaco said.

In Ciriaco’s video several gunshots are audible, coming from below his apartment. You can also hear officers yelling.

“Get inside! Go inside! You hear that? That’s gunshots!” an officer yelled.

The repeated gunfire caught residents off guard.

“I thought it was construction it sounded like boards hitting each other,” Amy Johnson Kemner said.

The shooting was happening in the apartment right next door to Reya Roussel, who at first heard people yelling. Then came the shots.

“I was in my room by my bed, like hoping nothing would come through any windows,” Rousell said.

Investigation lasts into the evening

In a morning press conference on Thursday, Haslett said a heavy police presence will be in the area for several hours as crews investigate. As of about 4 p.m., the area was still closed and police said they expected those roads and buildings to remain closed for several more hours. Impacted residents could find temporary shelter at the Broomfield Community Center, 280 Spader Way, as well as information.

According to Haslett, the suspect fired several rounds, damaging units, other buildings and cars. Those who live in the area are asked to call the Broomfield police’s non-emergency line at 303-438-6400 if they discover items or damage that may be related to the crimes when returning to their homes or vehicles.

Jefferson Academy Secondary School was placed on secured status due to its proximity to the scene.

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