DENVER — A man was shot and killed by Denver police after he allegedly stabbed a 7-Eleven clerk and took two people hostage during a potential robbery Friday night.
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said officers were called out to reports of a stabbing at the 7-Eleven located at 450 Federal Boulevard around 6:50 p.m. When police arrived, they found a clerk who was "under duress" behind a door that led to a back room.
Thomas said his officers heard an altercation happening in the back room, but the door was locked. After their commands went unanswered, the officers took a battering ram to the door and made their way inside, according to the police chief.
ALERT: #DPD is investigating an Officer Involved Shooting at 5th and N. Federal Blvd. The suspect was transported to a hospital, unknown condition. No DPD Officers were injured. pic.twitter.com/y8Gx6Ho46A
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) March 2, 2024
Police saw a suspect and two victims inside the room. The suspect had a hold of one of the victims and was "threatening him with a sharp instrument," according to Thomas. The police chief said the officers opened fire until the suspect went down.
Medics at the scene performed life-saving measures on the suspect, who was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead. He was identified by the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner as Christopher Cauch, 43.
The condition of the clerk is unknown at this time. The two people who were taken hostage are shaken but unharmed, according to Thomas.
Denver PD is conducting a joint investigation with Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Once the investigation is complete, it will be presented to the Denver District Attorney's Office for review, according to Thomas.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
