Thornton police are investigating a wave of overnight vehicle break-ins and gunfire near the intersection of E. 98th Avenue and Washington Street. Officers say several cars and homes were struck by gunfire, but no injuries were reported. Witnesses told police they saw multiple people in dark clothing trying to break into vehicles just before shots rang out. Investigators say the suspects took off before officers arrived, and the case remains very much active.
What police say
According to Denver7, Thornton officers were called overnight for a report of a vehicle trespass in progress at E. 98th Avenue and Washington Street and then heard gunfire at the scene. The outlet reports that officers found evidence that multiple vehicles had been broken into and that witnesses saw several suspects in dark clothing trying to force their way into cars before the shots were fired. Denver7 says a department release noted that bullets hit several homes and vehicles, though no one was hurt.
Investigation and tip line
The department says the suspects fled the area before officers arrived, and detectives are now working with neighboring agencies on related reports elsewhere in the metro area. In a press release via the Thornton Police Department, investigators asked anyone with information about the break-ins or gunfire to contact the department's tip line at 720-977-5069; the investigation is ongoing.
How neighbors can help
Police are urging residents to preserve any video footage, avoid confronting suspects directly, and report suspicious activity to authorities right away. Thieves can break into an unlocked car in seconds, and Denver police advise drivers to park in well-lit, busy areas and keep valuables out of sight. If you have surveillance or dash-cam video that may have captured the incident, officials say to save the files and contact investigators instead of posting them publicly.
Regional context
The incidents come as state and local law enforcement agencies have stepped up efforts against organized vehicle theft. The Colorado Attorney General’s Office recently announced a major June takedown of an auto-theft ring and reported that vehicle thefts in Denver have dropped this year, even as localized break-ins and vehicle prowls continue to frustrate neighborhoods.
Anyone with information about the overnight break-ins is asked to call the Thornton Police tip line at 720-977-5069, as the department has stated in its public releases. According to Denver7, investigators encourage residents who have video or witnessed suspicious activity to contact police to help build the case.
