The Denver District Attorney’s Office today cleared an officer who shot and wounded 25-year-old Daniel Alderete on Sunday, saying his actions were justified.
Denver Police were called Sunday night to the scene of a possible gang fight near West 17th Avenue and King Street. Before officers arrived, they were told shots had been fired and one person was hurt.
Police spokesman Sonny Jackson said that when police arrived, witnesses told them there had been a shooting at 3436 W. 18th Avenue.
As police attempted to reach the shooting victim, they encountered Alderete, who was holding a gun.
When he refused to put down the gun, an officer, identified today as Ethan Aldrige, fired a single shot, striking Alderete in the stomach, according to police.
The DA’s press release states that after Aldrete was shot, he dropped the gun, but did not fall to the ground. Officers then ordered Aldrete to the ground and after hesitating, Aldrete laid face down as the officers stepped in to remove the gun.
“Dude, you shot me… No big deal. I have been shot three times before,” Aldrete is quoted as telling the officers.
Officer Jared Purdy was also at the scene. Neither Purdy or Aldrete fired any shots, the DA’s office said.
Aldrete was taken to the hospital where his injuries were found to be non-life threatning.
A short time later, Aldrete’s grandfather, Filberto Alderete was taken into custody for killing Jesus Sifuentes Jr., 36, whose body was found on the front porch of 3436 W. 18th Ave.
On Tuesday the district attorney said no charges would be filed against Filiberto after he had claimed self defense.
