Denver, Colorado (DPD / News Release) — On Wednesday, June 7th, 2023, at about 4:12 a.m., a uniform Denver Police officer was conducting directed patrol at the Quality Inn in the 2600 block of North Zuni Street, at Speer Boulevard. The officer was seated in the driver seat of his marked police vehicle, directly in front of the entrance of the hotel. The officer had been at the location for several minutes when a male, later identified as 35-year-old Nicholas Lendrum, exited the front doors of the hotel and walked directly towards the officer’s vehicle.
Without warning or prior interaction, Lendrum produced a firearm from his jacket and began firing directly at the officer to the passenger side of the vehicle, striking the officer multiple times. In a courageous response, the officer immediately exited his vehicle and moved to the back of the patrol car, seeking cover. Lendrum went around the front of the officer’s vehicle and continued firing upon the officer while attempting to use the police vehicle as cover.
In order to protect himself, the officer returned fire, striking Lendrum multiple times. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the injured officer called for additional assistance from other officers and requested ambulances to respond to the location. Responding officers swiftly took Lendrum into custody. He was promptly assessed by a paramedic crew and transported to Denver Health Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased. The injured officer received immediate medical attention and was transported to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, he has since been released and is currently recovering.
Investigations revealed that Lendrum had driven to the location and parked on the West side of the building at 4:02 a.m. He remained near his vehicle for several minutes before walking around the building and approaching the officer’s vehicle without any prior interaction. Lendrum initially entered the hotel inquiring about renting a room from the clerk, but upon learning the cost, he walked back out through the main doors towards the officer’s vehicle. It was at this point that he began discharging his firearm.
Related Post
According to investigators, Lendrum fired a total of 18 rounds from a Glock 26 9mm handgun. He also had an additional magazine with 16 rounds and a loaded 38 caliber revolver, which was not fired during the incident. The involved officer discharged 17 rounds from his duty handgun towards the suspect. Despite wearing a ballistic vest, the officer was struck by three of the rounds fired by Lendrum. Thankfully, all three rounds were stopped by the vest, resulting in significant bruising and pain but no life-threatening injuries.
This incident highlights the bravery and professionalism exhibited by law enforcement officers every day to protect the public. The officer involved, along with the swift response from fellow officers, undoubtedly prevented further harm and minimized the potential for loss of life. It is a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of those who serve and protect our communities.
Law enforcement agencies across the country face inherent dangers in their line of duty, and this ambush serves as a reminder of the risks they encounter daily. It underscores the importance of providing the necessary resources, training, and support to ensure officers are capable of responding effectively to dangerous situations and safeguarding our communities.
It is vital for the community to come together in the aftermath of such incidents, supporting both the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line and their families. Recognizing their sacrifices and expressing gratitude can help to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
In conclusion, the ambush of the Denver police officer at the Quality Inn is a tragic reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face. The bravery and quick response of the officer and his fellow colleagues prevented further harm and ensured that justice was served. It is essential for the community to show support for these officers and recognize the risks they undertake to keep their communities safe. By coming together and fostering positive relationships, we can work towards a safer and more harmonious society.
