Crime
Video Sound of shooting at Arista Flats in Broomfield, Colorado
A female victim who was inside the unit with the suspect succumbed to a gunshot wound after being transported to a local hospital.
Broomfield, CO – The Broomfield Police Department is continuing to investigate a shooting incident that occurred early Thursday morning at the Arista Flats Apartments located at Central Court and Colony Row in Broomfield.
Officers were dispatched to the complex at approximately 6:30 AM in response to a disturbance call. Upon arrival, officers heard a man yelling inside one of the units. Shortly after, the suspect began firing shots at officers, into neighboring apartments, and into the parking lot.
A reverse emergency notification (LookOut Alert) was sent to nearby residents, advising them to shelter-in-place. Several units were evacuated as a precaution.
Tragically, a female victim who was inside the unit with the suspect succumbed to a gunshot wound after being transported to a local hospital. Her identity will be released at a later time by the Broomfield and Adams County Coroner.
The 34-year-old male suspect was shot by law enforcement officers before being arrested. He was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries and faces pending charges. Multiple law enforcement officers sustained minor injuries and were treated and released.
Several officers fired their weapons during the incident. The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) of the 17th Judicial District is now investigating the shooting and has placed the involved officers on administrative leave per department policy.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will not be released at this time to preserve the integrity of the process.
Due to the extensive nature of the crime scene, roads and buildings in the area may remain closed for several hours. Impacted residents who have not been able to return to their units are encouraged to seek assistance and information at the Broomfield Community Center located at 280 Spader Way.
The police department is requesting that residents report any items or damage related to the crime when returning to their homes or vehicles by calling the non-emergency line at 303-438-6400.
Crime
34-year-old Augusta Fireman Spencer Johnson charged in accidental shooting of his 3-year-old son in Harlem
Johnson, a decorated firefighter from Augusta, was arrested on Friday.
A Columbia County father, Spencer Allen Johnson, 34, of Harlem, Georgia, has been charged with child cruelty after his 3-year-old son, Evan Johnson, accidentally shot himself in the shoulder with an unsecured firearm.
According to authorities, the incident occurred Thursday night when the child accessed an unsecured firearm in his father’s bedroom.
The young boy, left unsupervised, discharged the weapon, resulting in a gunshot wound to his shoulder. Fortunately, the child is expected to make a full recovery.
Johnson, a decorated firefighter from Augusta, was arrested on Friday.
He faces charges of child cruelty stemming from criminal negligence, which authorities allege caused “excessive physical pain” to his son through neglectful supervision. He is currently being held at the Columbia County Detention Center with bond set at $10,100.
The Harlem Police Department did not initially release information about the shooting. However, as rumors of the incident spread on social media, the situation was later confirmed by both WGAC’s Austin Rhodes and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office late Friday evening.
Early Saturday morning, Harlem Police Chief issued a statement on the department’s Facebook page, stating that the case remains under investigation as new details emerge.
The Chief’s statement suggests that the full circumstances surrounding the shooting are still being determined.
In his booking photo, Johnson is seen wearing an anti-suicide smock, a standard precautionary measure taken in some detention facilities.
The incident has sparked discussions about gun safety and parental responsibility. Authorities are expected to release further information as the investigation unfolds.
Meanwhile, the Columbia County community remains concerned about ensuring proper firearm storage to prevent similar tragedies.