A pre-dawn neighborhood dispute Monday in Lakewood escalated into violence in which a man fired a bullet into his female neighbor’s neck, police say.
Police have filed a warrant for the arrest of Arthur J. Gutknecht, 30, on charges of attempted first-degree murder and possession of a weapon by a previous offender.
“It’s kind of odd — at 4 a.m.,” said Steve Davis, Lakewood police spokesman.
Davis said police are tracking down two suspects, the man who fired a gun and his female companion.
The victim was taken to a hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries, Davis said.
“It’s very hazy,” he said. “Until we talk to her and the two other people who were involved, we’re not sure what is going on. The investigation is a long way from over.”
A 911 call was made at 3:53 a.m. Monday about a shooting in the 200 block of Reed Street, he said.
Apparently an argument had broken out between neighbors minutes earlier. In one version of the dispute, the couple went to the victim’s house to confront her about a debt, monetary or otherwise, Davis said. The exchange became very heated, and Gutknecht allegedly shot the woman in the neck.
Police believe they know who fired the gun, but they do not yet know the identity of his female accomplice.
A reverse 911 call was made to homes on the block telling people to remain in their homes during the investigation.
When police entered the home of the suspect, they did not find Gutknecht.
Kirk Mitchell: 303-954-1206, kmitchell@denverpost.com or @kirkmitchell or
