Date: 02/12/2025
WESTMINSTER, Colo -- Just before 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, the Westminster Police Department (WPD) SWAT team was deployed to assist patrol with a suspect who had reportedly assaulted his father.
As officers worked to negotiate a peaceful surrender, the suspect turned violent and armed himself with a knife.
The suspect armed himself with a knife.
From a distance, he hurled household tools, pool balls and paint cans at officers. Several of our officers were struck, but thankfully, no one was seriously injured. SWAT then responded.
WPD officer covered in red paint thrown by suspect.
The situation escalated when the suspect barricaded himself in the basement, wearing an armored vest and gas mask, refusing all commands. With visual and verbal contact lost, drones and cameras were deployed — revealing the suspect hiding in a crawl space, still armed with a knife.
The suspect also armed himself with this knife during the incident.
After appearing to surrender, the suspect suddenly dropped the knife and physically attacked SWAT operators, forcing a brief struggle before he was safely taken into custody.
The 37-year-old is now at the Adams County Jail facing a long list of felony charges, including:
- Assault in the First Degree
- Assault in the Second Degree (x4)
- Assault in the Third Degree (x2)
- Obstruction of Telephone or Telegraph Service
- Criminal Mischief - $5,000 or More but Less Than $20,000
- Failure or Refusal to Leave Premises - Barricade
- Menacing – Use/Simulate Firearm/Knife/Bludgeon
This dangerous situation could have ended much worse, but thanks to our highly trained officers and SWAT operators, it was resolved safely.
The suspect threw paint cans, along with other objects at the responding officers.
###