WESTMINSTER, Colo.—
A Westminster Police officer remained hospitalized Friday after being wounded in a dramatic shootout that left two bank robbery suspects dead.The robbery happened at a First Bank location at 120th Ave. and Sheridan Blvd. in Westminster shortly before noon when the suspects, both armed with handguns, took an undisclosed amount of cash.
Westminster Police say the suspects sped away in a silver sedan which was spotted near 104th Ave. and Federal Blvd. where police began the pursuit. The suspects were weaving in and out of traffic and firing at officers, police said.
"Any time you have a pursuit that involves a suspect that escalates to not just running from the police, but actually firing a gun from the vehicle, it's a very dangerous situation," Westminster Police spokesman Trevor Materasso said.
The chase continued to the area of 120th and Federal where police stopped the suspect vehicle using a "PIT maneuver." The vehicle spun around and gunfire was exchanged again, within just yards of a shopping center.
One male suspect was killed in the gun battle. A female suspect was critically wounded and later died at Saint Anthony Central Hospital in Denver. Their names were not immediately released. The silver sedan was riddled with dozens of bullet holes.
Officer Sean Chandler, an 11-year veteran of the Westminster Police force, was transported to Saint Anthony Central with non life-threatening wounds. Deputy Chief Tim Carlson, a 21-year veteran, sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
User-submitted video of the shootout scene
