'Friendly Fire' Possible In Denver Police Officer Shooting

By Brian Maass
DENVER (CBS4)- The Denver Police Department is looking at the possibility that Technician John Ruddy, shot in the leg Wednesday during a shootout with an armed suspect, may have actually been hit by friendly fire- a shot fired by a fellow police officer, according to multiple Denver Police sources.

An email inquiry sent to a DPD public information officer Friday afternoon did not elicit an immediate response.

Ruddy was hit by gunfire during the pursuit of Phillip Munoz, a wanted suspect, who had at least one handgun with him during the vehicle and foot pursuit. It's unclear if Munoz shot at officers.

Denver police officers shot and killed Munoz when they say he brandished a gun after the chase that saw police employ flash bang grenades and police K9s. The Denver coroner has ruled Munoz died of multiple gunshot wounds.

As the chase ended in gunfire, Ruddy, a 15-year department veteran, was shot in the leg. He is expected to recover from his wound.

Numerous shots were fired at Munoz according to officers familiar with what happened. None of the officers familiar with the friendly fire possibility were authorized to speak on behalf of the department and asked their names not be used. They emphasized that there was no definite answer if friendly fire was to blame for Ruddy's injury, only that the possibility was being closely examined.

CBS4 Investigator Brian Maass has been with the station more than 30 years uncovering waste, fraud and corruption. Follow him on Twitter @Briancbs4.