After 9 People Shot, Denver Police Address Surge In Violent Crime

DENVER, CO—Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen held a news conference Tuesday to address a surge in violent crime in the city following a shooting that injured nine people over the weekend.

"There has been an increase in violent crime across the country. However, we, the people of Denver, need to stand up and work together because it’s not OK that we’ve had an increase in our city," Chief Pazen said.

On Sunday, shots were fired around 4:30 p.m. at a family park gathering in the 1400 block of West Byers Place, near Alameda Avenue and South Pecos Street. Close by, police said a music video was also being filmed. At some point, shots were fired. Police said they are still trying to figure out a motive.

“This incident had a 3-year-old, an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old that were shot in the park,” the police chief said during the news conference. "This is completely unacceptable."

Pazen said three 17-year-olds as well as three adults were shot—all of them are expected to survive.

Although no arrests have been made in the case, the police chief said investigators are making significant progress - but need the community's help.

"Not only do we need the community to share information they may have about this, but we are also seeking information from the victims," Pazen said. "The victims’ families and the victims’ friends we need additional information as it has been limited."

Dr. John Nicoletti, a Denver psychologist, spoke at Tuesday's news conference and addressed the stress of COVID-19 as well as the civil unrest in this country and how both could be tied to the surge in violence.

"We are really in uncharted territory. There’s no blueprint for what we’re dealing with," Dr. Nicoletti said. "You’ve probably heard the ‘new normal.’ What it is is the perfect storm caused by some major triggers."

Last year, Denver was named among the safest cities in the United States, according to the personal finance website WalletHub. Following the recent increase in violence in the city, Mayor Michael Hancock said he refuses to accept the spike in violence as a 'new normal.'

"The Denver Police Department is increasing its efforts to stop these (violent) acts," the mayor said. "We need people to put their guns down. We need community members to step forward. We need family members, friends to sound the alarm. You can do that anonymously."

Pazen also urged legal gun owners to be responsible and carefully secure their weapons. This year through Aug. 6, police said 422 guns were stolen throughout Denver – an increase of nearly 100 from the year before. Last year, the police chief said 325 guns were stolen.

“Weapons and guns are ending up on our streets. They’re ending up in the hands of young people and people who are causing harm to our community, and we need to do something about it," Pazen said.

Anyone with information about Sunday's shooting is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867).

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Denver: Free Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook | Twitter