CRITICAL INCIDENTS

  • Questions received:

    • Was this a pursuit?

    • Does the traffic unit usually conduct speed enforcement in unmarked cars?

    • What is the reason for doing so, or what was the reason for doing so yesterday?

    This was not a pursuit. The involved officer is part of our Traffic Unit and he was in an unmarked Ford Explorer conducting speed enforcement at the 4200 block of East 104th Avenue (Grandview Ponds Open Space Trail). As part of our commitment to improving roadway safety, our Traffic Unit uses both marked and unmarked vehicles as part of a comprehensive enforcement strategy. Unmarked vehicles are particularly effective in identifying reckless driving, excessive speeding, and other hazardous behaviors that may go unnoticed when drivers see marked patrol cars. This strategy allows us to address dangerous driving patterns proactively, supporting our department’s traffic safety priorities, which include reducing crashes and preventing injuries on our roads.

  • The Thornton Police Department has activated the 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) to investigate a fatal crash involving multiple vehicles that occurred on April 23 at 104th Avenue and McKay Road.

    The preliminary investigation indicates that around 4:40 p.m., an officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle that was speeding. The driver did not yield to the officer’s emergency lights and sirens, continuing eastbound on 104th Avenue. The officer deactivated their emergency lights, and shortly after, the vehicle crashed into multiple other vehicles near the intersection.

    The driver of the vehicle that failed to yield, a 17-year-old male, died at the scene. His name is being withheld pending positive identification by the Adams County Coroner’s Office and notification of next of kin. A total of six individuals were transported to the hospital, including one person who remains in critical condition.

    Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure transparency, the CIRT was contacted to assist with the investigation. This is standard protocol in incidents involving serious injury or death following police contact. The independent investigation helps ensure that all facts and evidence are thoroughly documented and reviewed.

    The intersection was closed for the duration of the investigation and reopened to traffic around 12:30 a.m. Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this incident as the investigation moves forward. We appreciate our community’s patience and understanding as investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident.

Officer-involved Shooting - October 9, 2024

Letter from the 17th Judicial District DA - Received July 10, 2025

Officer-involved Shooting - August 20, 2024

Letter from the 17th Judicial District DA - Received May 21, 2025

  • The Thornton Police Department takes each incident involving loss of life very seriously. In addition to the required independent criminal investigation, the TPD will always conduct a thorough, internal administrative investigation to ensure our actions are aligned with nationally recognized best practices and department policy. This is important because policing decisions are often made in rapidly evolving dynamic circumstances. We recognize both the complexity of the work our officers are asked to do as well as the need for transparency to the community we serve. 

    Following the investigation conducted by the First Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team and the review by District Attorney King, the Thornton Police Department conducted our internal review to assess policy compliance and identify opportunities to improve our practices. 

    At the time of this incident, the IMPACT Unit was responsible for street-level crime enforcement and auto theft reduction. Its use of unmarked vehicles was intended to reduce the need for high-speed pursuits and was supported by department leadership at the time. 

    The investigation determined that some officers involved in this incident had violated the TPD pursuit policy. Those officers received administrative corrective actions, and were authorized to return to full duty.

    The administrative review of this incident fulfilled its purpose by ensuring accountability, identifying areas for improvement, and providing guidance to better support TPD staff in the future. 

    Following the incident, the IMPACT Unit was dissolved due to a significant statewide decline in motor vehicle thefts. Associated resources were reallocated to support crime reduction in other ways, including traffic safety and community engagement initiatives. 

    The Thornton Police Department continues to evaluate its operations under the leadership of our new Police Chief, Jim Baird, and remains committed to providing the highest level of service to our community. 

  • The Thornton Police Department cares deeply for our community, and we recognize that the loss of life in any situation is a tragedy. Nearly a year ago, an officer-involved shooting occurred, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. During the incident, our officers were shot at while conducting an investigation.

    Over the past year, the First Judicial District Attorney's Office has carefully reviewed the findings of the First Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team’s investigation to determine whether our officers’ actions were lawful. Today, District Attorney Alexis King has announced that no criminal charges will be filed against our officers.

    As is standard protocol, the department has now initiated an internal administrative review to assess whether the officers’ actions were in compliance with Thornton Police Department policies and procedures. At this time, the officers remain assigned to administrative duty while the internal review is conducted. 

    The Thornton Police Department is committed to upholding our core values of leadership, teamwork, accountability, safety, service, and integrity. We understand the challenges our officers face and are proud of their dedication and commitment to serving the community. We recognize the emotional toll this incident has had on all those involved, and we are dedicated to doing everything we can to help heal and move forward together as a community.