Police In Thornton Shoot Man During Alleged Domestic Incident
THORNTON, Colo. (CBS4) - A police officer in Thornton shot a man at a home in the 9700 block of Downing Street Monday evening.
Police said they were responding to a domestic incident that started inside the home and then moved outside. The man was reported to have a knife and police used a Taser, but the man allegedly didn't stop approaching officers. He was then shot in the front yard of the home.
"All of a sudden I hear this crash. So I go looking out my back door; next thing you know, I hear, 'Bang, bang, bang," neighbor Sean Schroder said.
"He advanced on the officers, at which time the officers deployed a Taser. The Taser was unsuccessful, at which time one of the officers fired a lethal round," Matt Barnes with Thornton police said.
It's not clear how many shots were fired or where exactly the suspect was hit, but Schroder told CBS4 it was at very close range. His condition has not been released.
"It was almost point blank. Officers were about 10 feet away. He grabbed his stomach and fell to the ground," Schroder said.
Schroder said the shooting happened in front of the suspect's wife and children.
"After they fired the one daughter ran up (and) police pulled her away," he said. "(He is a) very nice gentleman, never caused any problems, but I know they've had issues."
Police said they have responded to several calls at the residence in the past. In a domestic call, police say they never know what will happen and that's why they couldn't take any chances.
"These are some of the most volatile situations officers can get involved in," Barnes said.
The police officer involved has been put on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
