Rival Crips Gang Members Took Part In Denver Shootout: Feds

DENVER, CO – A Denver man appeared U.S. District Court Wednesday following a deadly shooting between rival gangs in downtown Denver on Nov. 17.

Dashae Eugene Armstrong, 23, was charged with possessing ammunition as a felon. If convicted he would face up to 10 years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

The police affidavit for the case is still sealed, but the USAO statement revealed a few new details in the case.

According to investigators, the incident involved a shootout between rival gang members. Armstrong is alleged to be a "Tre Deuce Crip" gang member. The other shooter, Joshua Hayward, 24, was reportedly a "Tre Tre Crip" gang member. Hayward faces first-degree murder charges. Both are in custody in Denver County jail.

Three of the people injured with gunfire and the one person killed were bystanders, the USAO office said.

According to the affidavit, on Nov. 19, 2018, at around 4:04 p.m., Denver Police officers responded to 1200 21st St. in Denver, after reports of a shooting. Multiple people called 911 saying that several people had been shot. When Denver Police arrived on scene they discovered five victims suffering from gunshot wounds, including one who had been killed. According to the U.S. Attorney's office, witnesses on scene said two men were shooting at each other.

One of the shooters was described as "a heavy set black male, wearing a grey sweatshirt and black pants." A short time later Denver Fire Department first-responders treated a man near the Marquis Theater who matched that description, the USAO said.

Dashae Armstrong had a gunshot wound to his leg. Armstrong was taken to the hospital where he was treated and detained. According to the press release, during the investigation detectives at the shooting scene observed two distinct groups of spent shell casings. One group was 9mm, which matches the gun Armstrong was alleged to be shooting.

Armstrong allegedly denied shooting the weapon and reportedly asked agents "Do you got video of a guy jumping out in a ski mask and shooting at me?"

Armstrong had two prior convictions, officials said, for distribution of drugs.

“Today my office filed charges as a part of the law enforcement and prosecutorial response to this violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn in a statement. “We work together with our state and local partners and will step in when state prosecution is not feasible or possible.”

Both Armstrong and Hayward were arrested within 24 hours of the shooting.

Police have not yet released photos of the two men.

Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen called the daytime shooting in a busy Denver neighborhood "brazen" and praised community members who came forward "without fear" to help police identify and arrest the two men.

Armstrong is scheduled to appear in court again Nov. 27.

Related: 2 Arrested In 'Targeted' Fatal Denver Shootout: Police Chief

Related: 1 Killed, 4 Injured In Downtown Denver Shooting

Image: Surveillance video allegedly showing Dashae Armstrong firing a gun near 21st and Lawrence in Denver via US Attorney's Office Affidavit.

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