Police: Officer shot, suspect killed after reaching for officer’s gun

DENVER ( KDVR ) — A man is dead and an officer was injured in a shooting early Wednesday morning in Thornton .

FOX31’s Jim Hooley was on scene at Thornton Parkway and Gale Boulevard where he said the shooting took place outside of an apartment complex. The area is west of Interstate 25 near Federal Heights.

According to the Thornton Police Department, at 3:30 a.m., officers contacted an adult man who was believed to be connected to an assault at a nearby gas station. Officers approached the man at Thronton Parkway and Gale Boulevard when police said a physical struggle ensued.

Thornton police said the suspect grabbed for the officer’s gun in its holster and the officer struggled to retain his weapon.

During the struggle, police said the officer was shot and suffered a serious but non-life-threatening injury.

Another Thornton officer on scene shot the suspect who was pronounced dead on scene.

Because of the investigation, Thornton Parkway is closed in both directions. A heavy law enforcement presence is expected to be in the area for some time, as the Thornton Fire Department is also responding.

The investigation will be turned over to the 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team. The officer who fired his weapon will be placed on administrative leave per protocol.

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