WESTMINSTER, Colo. - Authorities have tentatively identified two bank robbery suspects killed during a brazen shootout with Westminster Police Thursday.
The suspects have been identified as Christian Benshoof, 35, and Ashley Johnson, 25, both of Loveland. It is reported that Benshoof and Johnson were common law husband and wife.
The autopsy shows both suspects had been shot multiple times, Benshoof died with a fatal bullet to the head and Johnson died of a wound to the chest.
The robbery happened at a First Bank at 120th Ave. and Sheridan Blvd shortly before noon Thursday when police say the suspects, armed with handguns, took an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspects sped away in a silver rental car and began firing at officers who spotted the vehicle and gave chase.
The chase continued to the area of 120th and Federal where police stopped the suspect vehicle using a "PIT maneuver." But the suspects weren't willing to surrender. Instead, they continued to fire at officers who riddled the suspects' vehicle with dozens of bullets.
The male suspect died at the scene. The female suspect was transported to St. Anthony Central Hospital in Denver where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
Officer Sean Chandler, an 11-year veteran of the Westminster Police force, was being treated for non life-threatening wounds. Deputy Chief Tim Carlson, a 21-year veteran, sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
The suspects have been identified as Christian Benshoof, 35, and Ashley Johnson, 25, both of Loveland. It is reported that Benshoof and Johnson were common law husband and wife.
The autopsy shows both suspects had been shot multiple times, Benshoof died with a fatal bullet to the head and Johnson died of a wound to the chest.
The robbery happened at a First Bank at 120th Ave. and Sheridan Blvd shortly before noon Thursday when police say the suspects, armed with handguns, took an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspects sped away in a silver rental car and began firing at officers who spotted the vehicle and gave chase.
The chase continued to the area of 120th and Federal where police stopped the suspect vehicle using a "PIT maneuver." But the suspects weren't willing to surrender. Instead, they continued to fire at officers who riddled the suspects' vehicle with dozens of bullets.
The male suspect died at the scene. The female suspect was transported to St. Anthony Central Hospital in Denver where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
Officer Sean Chandler, an 11-year veteran of the Westminster Police force, was being treated for non life-threatening wounds. Deputy Chief Tim Carlson, a 21-year veteran, sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
