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DENVER (KDVR) — A suspect is dead and an officer suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, alongside two people believed to be gas station employees, after police responded to reports of an armed robbery at a gas station. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas held a press conference at about 11 p.m., where he said that Denver police officers responded to the Maverick gas station in the 3200 block of South Parker Road at about 8:45 p.m. for reports of an armed robbery at the gas station. Thomas said that officers contacted a witness in front of the store, who said that an armed person had locked themselves inside with two possible store employees. "As officers were developing a tactical plan, they heard shots coming from inside the business," Thomas said. "They then recognized the sense of urgency and then forced entry into the business, started making their way towards where the gunshots were assumed to be coming from, because gunshots continued." Inside the store, officers confronted the armed suspect, ultimately exchanging gunfire. The suspect was "downed," and officers rendered medical aid. The suspect was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. ""During the aftermath, we did identify two other victims, we believe store employees who had non-life-threatening gunshot wounds as well," Thomas said. FOX31 sent crews to the scene on Parker Road, where a gas station is entirely taped off for the police investigation, and multiple police cars are on scene. Both Aurora and Denver police were responding to the scene. Officers were making note of evidence and sharing information, according to FOX31's Hanna Powers, who was at the gas station. She said the scene was among the largest she's encountered. FOX31 also had a crew at the scene of Denver Health, where at least one officer's vehicle was located with active emergency lights. The Denver officer who was injured had been shot in the leg, Thomas said, and was in surgery as of about 11 p.m. on Monday. "Obviously, we're all concerned about our brother officer and so we're thankfully that he is going to survive," Thomas said. "It is a survivable injury. I think that he is in surgery right now, but all very concerned about him right now." Thomas said there were significant investigative efforts underway in the store, and that the incident would be under investigation by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Colorado State Patrol.
