Denver, CO – Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that claimed the lives of two individuals early Monday morning in Denver’s Clayton neighborhood. Two suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the incident.

According to Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas, the shooting occurred around midnight at a 7-Eleven convenience store located at 35th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, adjacent to the Park Hill Golf Course.

Preliminary reports indicate that two groups of adults arrived at the convenience store and became involved in a verbal altercation, which quickly escalated into gunfire.

Upon arrival, officers discovered one victim deceased at the scene in the parking lot. A second victim, who was transported to a nearby hospital, was later pronounced dead.

Chief Thomas stated that an officer who was in the vicinity at the time of the shooting heard the gunfire and immediately responded.

The officer encountered a suspect holding a firearm and discharged their weapon in response. However, the suspect managed to flee the scene.

It remains unclear whether the suspect was injured during the exchange of gunfire or if they fired at the officer. Fortunately, the officer was unharmed.

“Certainly, it’s a concern when you have an individual who is armed with a weapon and has no regard for public safety, engaging in gunfire in our community and also with police officers,” said Chief Thomas. “We do believe this was an isolated incident between the two groups involved.”

Initially, one suspect was taken into custody at the scene.

Hours later, at approximately 6:30 a.m., authorities confirmed that the second suspect who fled had been apprehended.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine the suspects’ level of involvement and establish a clear motive for the shooting.

Denver police urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7867. Tipsters may remain anonymous.