A shooting occurred near the Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center in Thornton on Tuesday morning, involving a Thornton Police officer and a male suspect, who died after the altercation.

The recreation center, located in the 11100 block of Colorado Boulevard, became the backdrop for the events that unfolded.

Reports indicate the situation began when a Thornton police officer observed a vehicle driving erratically near the intersection of E. 112th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard shortly before 8 a.m.

Attempting to make contact with the driver, the man pulled over, only to flee the scene on foot.

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A Thornton police officer arrived to assist and saw the male suspect in a nearby parking lot. In the ensuing confrontation, the suspect opened fire on the officer, prompting a fatal response when the officer returned fire and struck the assailant.

Despite efforts to save his life, the suspect succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to hospital.

The officer was unharmed from the encounter.

The identity of the dead suspect has not yet been released.

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