Shooting In Thornton May Have Been Over Illegal Dumping
THORNTON, Colo. (CBS4) - Police in Thornton believe a dispute over illegal dumping led to a shooting that left two people injured Friday morning.
Officers rushed to Cedar Court and Eppinger Boulevard in Thornton at approximately 10:30 a.m. on reports of a shooting.
When they arrived officers found 32-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. Another 47-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds drove himself to a nearby fire station for help.
"Preliminary investigation indicates that a driver of a red Dodge pickup was following a silver Toyota Camry, whom was allegedly dumping illegal trash at a yet to be determined location," Matt Barnes with Thornton police said in a statement.
Barnes said the Camry pulled to the curb and a man came out of a residence in the 9300 block of Cedar Court and got in a confrontation with the driver of the pickup.
"The confrontation escalated to the point where both individuals exchanged gun fire at each other," Barnes said. "The driver of the Dodge pickup struck the Camry as he fled the scene and traveled to the fire station."
Both were transported to local hospitals and are listed in serious/critical condition. Their names haven't been released.
Neighbor Sierra Marie told CBS4 she was home when the shooting happened. She said she heard two men arguing about trash before seven or eight gun shots were fired.
"I was laying down and I heard bangs," Marie said. "It was scary and I was worried because stuff like that doesn't happen in our neighborhood."
Additional Information From Thornton Police
The Thornton Police Department is seeking any witnesses who may have information regarding this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call the Thornton Police Tip Line at 720-977-5069, or Metro Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
