A police officer sustained minor injuries in Westminster on Friday morning after an alleged burglary suspect stole a police SUV, prompting multiple officers to fire at the suspect, a police spokesman said.
Police received a call at 7:46 a.m. Friday from employees at the Grease Monkey auto center at 78th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard, saying they spotted a man sitting at the bus stop who had burglarized their store on Monday night, said Sgt. Trevor Materasso, a Westminster police spokesman.
Officers contacted the suspect, identified by police as 32-year-old Shawn Baumgardner, walking in Wolf Run Park. An officer attempted to use a Taser on the suspect, but it was ineffective and the man proceeded to steal a patrol vehicle, Materasso said.
Officers used GPS to locate the stolen SUV at Heather Place and U.S. 36, where officers fired at the suspect, Materasso said. They did not hit the suspect, the spokesman said. It is unclear if the man was armed or fired at the officers.
Baumgardner was taken into custody and is being held at the Adams County jail on suspicion of aggravated robbery, aggravated motor vehicle theft, assault on a peace officer, impersonating a peace officer and other charges.
One officer went to the hospital with minor injuries, Materasso said.
Westminster police said they are not looking for any other suspects, but officers were canvassing several areas near 76th and Sheridan along with Zuni Street and U.S. 36.
The Adams County Critical Incident Team will investigate the officer-involved shooting, while Westminster police will investigate the burglary.
Police contact possible burglary suspect. Male runs on foot, Taser is used but suspect steals a police car. Officers pin stolen car near Zuni/Hwy 36. Officer/s involved in shooting: Suspect taken into custody. One officer went to hospital with minor injury. More to follow.
— Westminster Police (@WestminsterPD)
Police are not looking for any other suspects, but several officers, uniform and plain clothes will be canvassing several areas near 76th/Sheridan and Zuni/Hwy 36.
— Westminster Police (@WestminsterPD)
