ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. – An alleged car thief remains on the run following a confrontation with Arapahoe County deputies Wednesday evening that left one deputy with minor injuries.
At around 3:19 p.m., an Arapahoe County Sheriff’s deputy contacted the driver of what appeared to be a stalled truck in the area of S. Parker Rd. and E. Fremont Ave., according to a news release from the agency.
Deputies said the vehicle had been reported stolen from Denver and as a result of this contact, two suspects were arrested: one on suspicion of auto theft and other unrelated warrants; the second on unrelated warrants.
Authorities also said they received information that a second stolen truck would be arriving to that area and deputies waited for the car to arrive.
Once the stolen truck arrived, the driver pulled into a parking space at the IMT Cornerstar Ranch apartments and deputies blocked the truck to try and detain three people inside, the release stated.
As deputies got near the truck, the driver put it in gear and began ramming surrounding cars, causing a deputy to be pinned between the stolen truck and a car, according to the release.
A second deputy then fired shots at the driver, who was shot multiple times and who was taken to local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver, along with another passenger, was taken into custody. A second passenger left the scene, which prompted a two-hour search of the area. The suspect was not found and a shelter in place was lifted.
The deputy who was injured while trying to arrest the truck driver was treated and released at a local hospital, the release stated.
Deputies said criminal charges were being determined for the suspect who was shot. The passenger who was taken into custody was being held on unrelated warrants and further charges are being evaluated, the sheriff’s office said.
Investigators area currently determining if any charges will be recommended ono the second passenger who left the scene.
The deputy who shot the driver has been placed on administrative leave, per department policy.
This is an ongoing investigation by the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and the 18th Judicial District Critical Response Team.