Denver police were called out in force Tuesday night after a police officer was seriously injured in what officers initially thought was a “hit and run.”
Investigators at the scene were trying to determine whether the officer, a 30-plus-year veteran working patrol in District 2, was struck by another vehicle or swerved to miss another vehicle and struck a building, police spokesman Sonny Jackson said.
The extent of the officer’s injuries wasn’t immediately known.
“He suffered very serious injuries,” Jackson said.
The incident was reported just after 9:30 p.m., on York near the intersection with Interstate 70.
A female officer who happened upon the scene of the crash told dispatchers that only the cruiser was there, prompting all available units to search for a possible perpetrator.
The injured officer was pinned inside the vehicle until rescue crews were able to pry him out, Jackson said.
Police shut down major portions of York Street and 8th Avenue to Speer so that an ambulance could transport the unidentified officer to Denver Health Medical Center.
A police helicopter was asked to assist in the search.
Dispatchers intially reported that police were searching for a yellow vehicle with heavy front-end damage that was last seen southbound on Josephine Street.
However, soon after the search was called off when it was determined that yellow paint on the wrecked patrol car could have come from the stricken building, Jackson said.
“At this point, until we have a chance to talk to the officer, we’re not sure what led up to it,” Jackson said.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call CRIMESTOPPERS at 720-913-STOP (7867).
Manny Gonzales: 303-954-1537 or mgonzales@denverpost.com.
