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Colorado – An Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputy remained hospitalized Friday after being shot multiple times during an early-morning response to a reported weapons disturbance at a Denver-area apartment complex.

Deputies were called to an apartment complex after a disturbance was reported in the area, according to Adams County Sheriff Gene Claps. Investigators said the initial call came in around 2:30 a.m., and several people ran from the scene on foot.

Deputies made one arrest during the initial response but were unable to locate other individuals who fled. Deputies remained in the area as the search continued.

About two and a half hours later, deputies encountered a group of people who matched the descriptions of those involved in the earlier disturbance. A foot chase followed, and a deputy was shot in a stairwell and suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

Authorities said the deputy was transported to Denver Health and was reported in stable condition while remaining in intensive care.

The suspect was shot and killed. The Adams County Coroner is expected to release the man’s identity after an autopsy and family notification.

Field Lessons are offered strictly as general, industry-standard reminders drawn from common safety practices and typical policy considerations. They are not based on any inside knowledge of this specific incident, do not presume what actions were taken, and should not be interpreted as commentary on the decisions made at the scene.

Treat stairwells, hallways, and landings as high-risk funnels where angles are limited, and threats can appear suddenly.

When searching after a foot chase, slow down before entering choke points.

Fleeing is a sentinel (common) pre-incident indicator. While in foot pursuit, watch for hand concealment in front of the body and/or one arm to swaying while the other remains stiff (while running).

In incidents where officers were attacked during or after a foot pursuit, the suspect will typically target glance just prior to the attack (for details on this research, inquire here).

Use available cover and consider lighting conditions before committing to interior movement.

Dr. Travis Yates has pioneered a behavioral risk framework to help officers and leaders identify, assess, and articulate risk in rapidly evolving, uncertain situations. Find out more about the FOCUS Behavioral Risk Framework.

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