A Denver police officer left the hospital Sunday afternoon after a suspect allegedly shot him in the leg earlier in the day as the officer responded to a shooting in Denver’s Villa Park neighborhood.
Officers and paramedics were treating a woman with a gunshot wound just after 3:45 a.m. Sunday outside a residence in the 4800 block of West 10th Avenue when a suspect opened fire on the group, police spokesman Doug Schepman said.
One officer was struck in the leg, Schepman said.
Officers then opened fire at the suspect, but did not strike him, Schepman said. The suspect then retreated.
The officer and the woman were transported to a hospital, where both were treated for non-life threatening injuries and are in stable condition, Schepman said.
More officers responded to the scene, near Dry Gulch Park and Sheridan Boulevard, and arrested the man who is suspected of shooting both the woman and the officer.
Elijah Ruff, 25, remained in custody Sunday afternoon on suspicion of attempted murder, aggravated assault and first-degree assault, according to a news release from the police department. The Denver District Attorney’s Office will file formal criminal charges at a later date.
The police department was not releasing the identity of the wounded officer as the investigation continues, Schepman said.
“We’re hoping for a full recovery for both the woman and our officer,” Schepman said.
UPDATE: Officer who was shot in the leg was responding to a shooting — the result of a family disturbance. The adult female shooting victim & injured officer are in stable condition. Adult male suspect in custody. The incident remains under investigation.
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice)
