Crime & Safety
Suspect Arrested In Denver Security Guard Shooting
Man believed to have shot Luke Kroener, 28, was taken into custody out-of-state, Denver police said.
DENVER, CO – A man sought by Denver police for fatally shooting a LoDo security guard in September was taken into custody out of state, police announced Thursday.
Police said a man thought to be responsible for the early-morning Sep. 28 murder of Lucardio "Luke" Kroener, 28, was arrested on an "unrelated out-of-state warrant."
Police did not name the suspect.
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Kroener's family was present Thursday when he was posthumously awarded the "Bill Daniels Neighborhood Hero Award" Thursday at the Denver Police Crime Laboratory by Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen.
Police in a statement said Kroener assisted the police in two shooting incidents at personal risk to himself. During the second incident he was shot at close range and died.
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The first incident was on Sunday, Sep. 16, at about 2:30 a.m., police said. Kroener had just completed his shift working as a security guard in the 1500 block of Market Street when he responded to sounds of shots fired and a fight in the area. Kroener pointed out two men to officers whom he believed were possibly related to the shooting. He also detained one man until police could respond, police said.
"Luke courageously got involved in a dangerous situation and assisted Denver Police officers in arresting a suspect who officers later determined was involved the shooting," the Denver PD said in a statement Thursday.
The second incident, that cost Kroener his life, happened less than two weeks later, on Friday, Sep. 28, around 1:53 a.m. Denver Police officers responded again to the area and found a man who had been shot. Kroener, again working as a security guard in the area, confronted a possible suspect in that shooting near the intersection of 14th Street and Market Street. After a physical altercation, the unknown suspect allegedly shot and killed Kroener, police said.
The Daniels Fund presented Kroener's family with a $1,000 check. The check will go towards a college fund for Luke’s 3-year-old daughter, Emma, a statement said.
“Luke Kroener twice took action in very dangerous situations with the goal of keeping people safe and helping Denver Police arrest shooting suspects,” said Linda Childears, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “We recognize his courage today with this award and celebrate his legacy.”
“Luke is a true hero whose desire to help others was clearly demonstrated through his actions, and it’s heartbreaking for his loved ones and our community that his life was cut short,” said Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen in a statement. “Today, we honor Luke’s courage and sacrifice, which serve as an inspiration to us all to find ways to get involved and make a difference in our community.”
Police said the Denver District Attorney would be filing charges against the man accused of killing Kroener in the next few days.
Anyone with information about this homicide investigation is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
Police in October offered a $2,000 reward and released security video images of two men thought to be connected to the homicide.
Related: Killed Denver Citizen Security Guard To Receive Posthumous Honor
Related: Security Guard Killed In Shooting Was Father Of Young Daughter
Related: Captured On Video: Cops Seek Alleged Suspects In Denver Shooting
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