Denver police are investigating a shooting in the 8500 block of West Crestline Avenue after one victim skipped waiting for an ambulance and drove themselves to a local hospital instead. Investigators said they were still working to develop suspect information as of Friday.
Police Scramble for Details Near Wadsworth
The Denver Police Dept. posted a shooting alert on X on Friday morning, warning that the incident occurred in the 8500 block of West Crestline Avenue and that updates would be added to the thread as they became available. According to Denver Police Dept.
The case involved one victim, and investigators were actively working to identify a suspect. The department cautioned that details in its post were subject to change as the investigation developed.
The shooting unfolded near the intersection of South Wadsworth Boulevard and West Crestline Avenue in southwest Denver, pinpointing the block for nearby residents.
Why the Victim Didn't Wait for an Ambulance
The victim chose to self-transport rather than wait on scene. Once the victim arrived at the hospital under their own power, state law took over in bringing police into the case. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 12-240-139, according to Justia Law, physicians and emergency medical providers must immediately report any gunshot or bullet wound they treat to local law enforcement, a mandate that carries a petty-offense penalty for noncompliance.
A Prior Incident Near the Location
The shooting occurred in the 8500 block of West Crestline Avenue near South Wadsworth Boulevard.
The area has seen trouble before: Westword reported that police responded to the same 8500 block of West Crestline Avenue in April 2022 after an afternoon stabbing left a victim with non-life-threatening injuries, a case that ended in an on-scene arrest.
Investigation Continues
If investigators determine that shots were fired into an occupied structure, dwelling or vehicle during Friday's incident, state law offers a framework for prosecution. Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-107.5, per the Colorado General Assembly, classifies knowingly or recklessly discharging a firearm into an occupied structure or vehicle as a Class 5 felony, carrying potential state prison time and court fines.
Denver police have not released the victim's condition or said whether the shooting happened inside a business or out on the street, and no suspect description has been made public. Anyone with information can contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers anonymously at 720-913-7867 or online.
