Friday morning usually starts quiet in North Denver. But yesterday, the 7400 block of North Broadway turned into a grid of yellow tape and flashing blue lights. If you’ve been following the news about the shooting today in Denver metro, you know it’s been a heavy 24 hours for Adams County.
It wasn't just another siren in the distance.
An Adams County Sheriff’s deputy is currently fighting in the ICU. He was shot at least five times. This happened during a chaotic foot chase that started as a standard "weapons disturbance" call at the Caraway Apartments. Around 2:30 a.m., deputies showed up to find a group of people who immediately scattered. One person was caught right then, but others vanished into the shadows of the complex.
Fast forward to 5:00 a.m.
The sun wasn't even up yet. Deputies still on the scene spotted a group that matched the earlier descriptions. Another chase broke out. This time, it ended in a stairwell with gunfire.
The Reality of the North Broadway Shootout
In the aftermath, a man is dead. He was shot at least once during the exchange and later died at the hospital. Sheriff Gene Claps held a briefing Friday afternoon, looking visibly shaken but steady. He couldn't say yet if the deputy’s own gun fired the fatal shot. That’s what the 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team is digging into right now. Honestly, these scenes are messy. They're loud, fast, and rarely as clear-cut as people want them to be on social media.
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Witnesses are being interviewed. Forensic teams are marking evidence piles—clothing and personal items left on the sidewalk like some grim mosaic.
The deputy’s name hasn't been released yet. We just know he's stable but in critical condition. It’s a reminder that even as the city tries to move toward safer statistics, the "boots on the ground" reality is still incredibly dangerous.
Why the Context of Denver Crime Matters Right Now
You might hear people say Denver is getting more dangerous. Is it? Well, the data tells a weird, contradictory story.
Just two weeks ago, the Denver Police Department (DPD) dropped some pretty shocking numbers. Homicides in Denver actually plummeted by 48% in 2025. We went from 70 killings in 2024 down to 37 last year. That is the lowest homicide rate this city has seen since the early 90s. Chief Ron Thomas credits things like the "Firearms Assault Shoot Team" and new drone tech for the drop.
But then a Friday morning like this happens.
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It makes those statistics feel kind of hollow to the people living at the Caraway Apartments who had to walk past crime scene tape to get their kids to school. Even with homicides down, non-fatal shootings didn't drop nearly as fast—they only went down by about 33%.
People are still pulling triggers.
Recent Violent Incidents in the Metro Area
- The Washington Park Attack: Just last week, a woman was nearly kidnapped while jogging near Wash Park. It has the local running community totally on edge.
- The Maduro Party Shooting: A second victim just died yesterday from a shooting that happened during a celebration of Nicolás Maduro’s capture earlier this month.
- Douglas County Road Rage: Yesterday morning, someone in a black Nissan fired shots at a Dodge Charger near Quebec Street and Wildcat Ridge. Luckily, no one was hit there.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Scenes
When a shooting today in Denver hits the headlines, the first instinct is to blame a "wave of lawlessness." But if you look at the 2025 year-end report, most homicides in this city didn't come from random "stranger danger." They came from arguments between people who already knew each other. Often, it's people leaving a club or a bar, letting an ego trip turn into a tragedy.
Domestic violence remains the second leading cause of fatal violence here.
We also saw a massive surge in traffic deaths last year, even as murders went down. Chief Thomas mentioned an "increasing sense of lawlessness" behind the wheel—drag racing and aggressive driving—that might be spilling over into how people handle conflict in general.
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How to Stay Informed and Safe
If you live in the North Broadway area or frequent the city's parks, there are a few practical things to keep in mind.
First, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office expects a "significant law enforcement presence" at the Caraway Apartments through the weekend. If you see something, say something—seriously. Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is still taking anonymous tips at 720-913-7867.
Second, pay attention to the "PNI" (Place-Based Next Generation Policing) locations. DPD is focusing heavily on intersections like Alameda and Federal. These areas are seeing more lighting, more foot patrols, and more "nuisance abatement" (basically shutting down businesses that act as hubs for crime).
Actionable Steps for Denver Residents:
- Check the DPD Crime Map: Use the city's interactive map to see what’s happening in your specific neighborhood. It’s updated daily.
- Safety in Numbers: If you’re a runner, follow the lead of the Wash Park clubs—don't go solo at dawn or dusk for a while.
- Avoid Road Rage Escalation: Given the Douglas County incident yesterday, if someone is driving like a maniac, just let them go. It's not worth a bullet.
The investigation into the North Broadway shooting is still "active and ongoing." We’ll likely get more names and specific charges by Monday. For now, the city is just holding its breath for that deputy.
Stay aware of your surroundings and keep tabs on local alerts through the Denver Police X (formerly Twitter) account for the most immediate updates on active scenes.