Arvada Police Officer, suspect, among 3 dead in Olde Town Arvada shooting
ARVADA, Colo. (KRDO) -- A police officer is among the two who died following a shooting that happened Monday in Olde Town Arvada. The suspect also died.
According to the Arvada Police Department, the shooting happened near Olde Wadsworth Boulevard and 57th Ave.
Officers initially responded to a call of a suspicious incident in the Olde Town Square near the Arvada Library around 1:15 p.m. Just after 1:30 p.m., dispatch began receiving calls that shots were being fired and an officer had been hit.
Residents and patrons of nearby businesses were asked to shelter in place while officers worked the scene. A second shelter in place was issued around 5 p.m. out of an abundance of caution and was lifted at 8:45 p.m.
Arvada Police, shooting in Olde Town Arvada. One office down, securing the area of 57 and Olde Wadsworth. PIO on scene update to follow.
— Arvada Police (@ArvadaPolice) June 21, 2021
According to an update from Arvada police Monday afternoon, one veteran officer was killed along with the shooting suspect and a "Samaritan."
Just after 9 p.m., the Arvada Police Department identified the officer who died as Officer Gordon Beesley, a veteran officer who had been with the department for 19 years. According to APD, he was a school resource officer at Oberon Middle School and was working patrol during the summer months.
At this time, Beesley's family is asking for privacy. Additionally, APD is asking people to not create fundraisers for Beesley. Instead, they ask donations to go through the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation.
The identity of the second victim, an adult male, will be released at a later time by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.
Following the shooting, first responders from and around the Denver metro area gathered to take participate in a procession, escorting Beesley's body from the scene. Our Denver affiliate 9News reports the Arvada Water Tower will be lit blue Monday night to honor Beesley.
Governor Jared Polis released a statement saying "We are closely monitoring the troubling situation in Arvada. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty while swiftly and bravely responding to protect civilians in the area.”
It's not yet clear what led to the shootout. At this time, Arvada police say this was an isolated incident and there is no continued threat to the community.
APD says this is an active investigation and people should expect to see officers in the area throughout Monday night into Tuesday morning.
This is a breaking news story, check back for updates.
