Suspect Shot And Killed By Auto Theft Task Force

WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4) - Police in Westminster investigated an officer-involved shooting on Tuesday afternoon.

Police tweeted an update on the situation at 112th Avenue and Stuart Street near Cotton Creek Park.

Police with the auto theft task force contacted the male suspect, an 18-year-old man whose name hasn't been released, associated with a stolen car when he pointed a weapon at officers. Officers fired back.

Cotton Creek Elementary was placed on lockout status during the investigation.

The incident involved officers from the Colorado State Patrol and Wheat Ridge.

Family members ran to the scene distraught and confused when they learned the 18-year-old shot by police was their relative. Authorities say the suspect killed by officers was a man who had stolen a black Mercedes four-door.

"They understand that this is a stolen vehicle and that much is for sure; and this was a suspect in that, and what they were hoping to accomplish, I could not say based on the investigation," Trooper Josh Lewis with the Colorado State Patrol said.

Investigators have not said if the suspect led officers with the auto task force on a chase or if he was found in Cotton Creek Park. Police say he pulled a gun and was immediately shot.

"When officers were investigating the auto theft they addressed the suspect. He turned around and pointed a weapon and the officer did fire their weapons," Cheri Spottke with the Westminster Police Department said.

The Westminster Police Department is now handling the investigation.

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