Colorado witnessed another sad day when a shooting episode left 3 people dead including a veteran police officer.
According to the police authorities, the town of Arvada in Colorado was notified of a suspected incident near the library which made the police officer go for a follow-up. Soon around 1.30 p.m, 911 was notified by multiple calls of reportedly multiple gunshots being fired and a police officer gunned down.
When the police arrived at the crime scene, a police officer had died along with a passer-by, the suspect had died during the exchange of gunfire.
Arvada police department’s chief Ed Brady stated that when the police arrived at the crime scene, the veteran police officer had already passed away along with a passer-by and the suspect. The code RED was immediately issued after the shooting incident; warning the people to take shelter and stay inside and also report any kind of suspicious activity to 911.
The slain officer was identified as Gordan Beesley who served the Arvada police department for over 19 years. He was the school resource officer at the Oberon middle school and the whole community knew him very well. The roads of Arvada were gloomy as a procession drove by to honor the slain veteran police officer. Crowds sporting American flags were seen sobbing and honoring their beloved officer.
The incident took place in Arvada city’s Olde town district. The cause of the incident was not revealed by the police department. The identity of the passerby who lost his life and the suspect were also confiscated and not revealed to the press.
The shooting episode was condemned from all corners of life as people poured in their condolences to the families of the deceased. The mayor of Arvada, Marc Williams paid his tribute to the veteran policeman and stated his utter shock over the horrific incident. He also announced the cancellation of all the activities planned at the city hall of Arvada.
Governor Jared Polis also expressed his grief over the sad incident. He stated, “my thoughts are with the family and friends of the officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty while swiftly and bravely responding to protect civilians in the area.”
The Arvada chamber of commerce which was located nearby the shooting incident stated that the members of the chamber hid in the basement of the officer over an hour after the gunshots were fired. The chamber’s president Kami Welch along with her team and the visitors were all confined in the basement when the incident took place.
