In addition to providing an anonymous tip that helped investigators break the case, community members have come forward to help in the wake of a shooting that left one Denver police detective dead and another wounded.
Donald Young, a 12-year veteran assigned to the fugitive/ bomb unit, and John Bishop, a detective with the child-abuse unit, were shot early Sunday at a baptismal party where they were working off-duty.
Young was shot in the head and side and did not survive. Bishop was saved by a bulletproof vest.
Since then, police said the community has rallied around the department and the officers and helped investigators by providing leads.
“The public’s help has been critical,” said Denver police Division Chief Dave Fisher.
Radio stations are collecting funds to help the family. Citizens have dropped off baked goods, soda and other gifts at police stations.
One apparently homeless man, Justin Newby, walked into police headquarters Sunday, carrying a backpack, said police spokeswoman Virginia Lopez. He pulled out a $5 bill and some coins and gave the money to the officer at the desk to help the Young family.
The Donald Young Memorial Fund has been established at the Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union, 700 W. 39th Ave., Denver, CO 80216.
