A shooting took place in Denver early Tuesday, resulting in at least 10 people getting injured. The incident occurred in an area where fans were celebrating the Denver Nuggets' victory in the NBA Finals. The Denver Police Department has taken one suspect into custody, who was among the wounded individuals.
According to the police, the shooting is believed to have occurred due to a dispute between several people, approximately a mile away from Ball Arena. The Nuggets had just defeated the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the NBA Finals the previous night. The incident happened around 12:30 a.m. local time, approximately 3 ½ hours after the game concluded. Three of the injured victims are in critical condition, while the suspect, who is a man, is one of the seven individuals with injuries considered non-life-threatening.
The details regarding the events leading up to the altercation and the firing of shots are still being investigated, as stated by police spokesperson Doug Schepman. He mentioned that the incident occurred in an area where a large gathering of people had been celebrating throughout the night.
The scene of the shooting was cordoned off with yellow police tape, and investigators examined the area, which had evidence markers and remnants from the celebrations, such as an electric scooter and a green rental bike. Schepman noted that there was a small crowd present at the time of the shooting, but it had significantly decreased by then. He also mentioned that the shooting occurred in a location where many people might have exited bars after the game.
The police are currently interviewing witnesses, and Schepman described the ongoing investigation as extensive. Eight individuals were taken to Denver Health Medical Center, with one in critical condition, one in fair condition, and six in good condition, according to spokesperson Heather Burke. Further information about the two additional wounded individuals should be sought from the police.
Schepman stated that the police had increased their presence in the area ahead of the celebratory event. He explained, "We had a lot of officers in that immediate area of 20th and Market when the shooting occurred, which is why the response to it was so quick."
The city is planning a celebratory parade.