Denver district attorney shoots armed suspect in crowded downtown Denver nightlife zone, injuring three bystanders He said he would open a grand jury investigation into the police officers' actions. last month.
Officers were already on administrative leave pending another internal investigation into the July 17 shooting. The shooting occurred when dozens of patrons left a bar that had closed for the night in the city's Lower Downtown district.
"Public concern about this particular shooting is understandably high," District Attorney Beth McCann said Tuesday in a statement announcing the new investigation. “In order for the community to have confidence in the outcome of this case, it is important that independent members of the community consider the facts, evidence, and law regarding whether these officers should be criminally charged.”
According to police, three officers (whose names have not been released) confronted a suspect, Jordan Waddy, who police said were armed. The shooting occurred as a nearby group of partygoers exited the bar and gathered at a food truck.
He was chasing Waddy, 21, after he saw him punch another man during a fight, police said.
Body camera footage released by Denver police on Tuesday appears to show Waddy holding a pistol and throwing it to the ground as officers open fire. Police previously said Waddy had a gun before the shooting.
At least he shot Waddy as one policeman confronted a large group of people gathered behind the suspect, footage shows. The crowd dispersed when shots were fired. Some rushed to the ground to escape, while others crouched behind food trucks or fell on all fours.
Waddy, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, was arrested on suspicion of felony threats and possession of a handgun by an ex-con. According to court records, he is represented by an attorney from the public defender's office, but he has not commented on the case.
Six bystanders were injured, all of whom were treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, according to authorities.
Siddhartha Rasod, the attorney representing the injured bystanders, welcomed the investigation announced by McCann.
The 24-year-old Willis Small IV said in an interview that he was near a truck when he felt a bullet or bullet fragment penetrate his left leg. Small looked down at him and saw a hole in his shoe, jumped in the car and drove to the hospital.
Yekalo Weldehiwet, 26, said the bullet had struck his bicep bone as he walked out of a bar after celebrating his 23rd birthday for his fiancée's brother. smashed into pieces. His right arm went limp "like a noodle" and he sprinted with it in his left arm.
Bailey AlexanderWhile waiting in line for a food truck, a bullet or bullet fragment passed through his upper back, exposing his right arm. Alexander's boyfriend grabbed her by the waist while she escaped.
Denver police commander, speaking to reporters last month. Matt Clark said authorities were "deeply concerned about those injured in the incident and are working to provide them with all resources and support until they recover."
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Jesse Bedayn is a member of the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a non-profit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to cover hidden issues. Follow him Bedayn on Twitter.
