ADAMS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY SHOT AND KILLED

THORNTON» An Adams County sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Wednesday evening in Thornton, and a suspect has been taken into custody, a ranking law enforcement source told Denver7.

The search continues, however, for possibly two other suspects.

Authorities urged the public in the area to seek shelter away from doors and windows.

Law enforcement had set up a large perimeter, and SWAT teams, Aurora police and canine units were assisting in the search.

Police were flooding the area with light while looking for the attackers, and law enforcement officers from throughout the metro area gathered at Denver Health medical center where the slain deputy was taken.

Few details were known about the shooting. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reported shortly after 8 p.m. that a deputy was down.

A media briefing was planned for late Wednesday.

The shooting came less than one month after a Douglas County sheriff’s deputy was killed in the line of duty.

Gov. John Hickenlooper said, “Tonight we watched as a community was on edge and a sheriff’s deputy was shot while responding to a call in Adams County. We are deeply saddened to learn that the deputy has died from injuries sustained in the shooting. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the family and friends of the deputy killed.”

The sheriff’s office was advising the public to avoid the area of East 88th Avenue and Dawson Street and to seek shelter.