No Charges For Denver Officer Who Shot Alleged 7-Eleven Robber

DENVER, CO – The Denver police bike patrol officer who shot a man as he allegedly robbed a 7-Eleven in June will not be charged, the Denver District Attorney's office said.

A gun battle ensued on June 13 in the 500 block of East Colfax after Carnell Nelson, 29, allegedly stole a cash register drawer from the convenience store. A clerk saw Nelson enter the store and pull out a gun and ran out, flagging down two Denver police officers passing on their bikes around 7:50 p.m. He told them Nelson had a gun.

Nelson shot first at officers who were pursuing him. Bullets struck Denver Officer Travis Lloyd in the leg. Lloyd shot back at Nelson killing him. Two witnesses in the area were also injured as Nelson and the officers exchanged gunshots during rush hour on a crowded Denver street.

District Attorney Beth McCann's investigation concluded that the use of deadly force was "legally justified" as an act of self-defense. There was reason to believe the suspect [Nelson] was a danger to himself and others, she said.

Read the District Attorney's decision letter here

• Related: Colfax Shootout: Man Killed By Denver Police Identified
• Related: Denver Police Shootout: 1 Dead After Gunfire Exchanged On Colfax

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