Toddler In Vehicle During Arvada Shootout With Off-Duty Detective

ARVADA, CO — A man who's accused of shooting and injuring an off-duty detective had his 2-year-old daughter in his vehicle during the shootout, according to an arrest affidavit. The Denver detective was shot several times in his arms and he's expected to recover, police said.

Samuel McConnell, 43, is accused of robbing the Circle K near Kipling Street and West 80th Avenue around 9 a.m. Wednesday.

A gas station clerk said he saw a man walk in with his face covered and knew the store would be robbed, so he warned a customer, who ran outside. The robber held the gas station employee at gunpoint and stole $200 from the cash register, according to the affidavit.

The off-duty Denver detective was with his son at the station, filling his truck with gas, when the customer warned them about the armed robbery. The detective was armed and tried to stop the suspect when he ran out, but the detective's gun malfunctioned and he was shot at least twice in both arms, according to the affidavit.

The detective was able to fire one shot at McConnell's vehicle before his gun jammed, police said. The 2-year-old girl who was inside the vehicle was unharmed.

A Public Safety 'Blue Alert' was sent to metro Denver residents early Wednesday afternoon with a description of the suspect and vehicle. Officers were looking for a Chevrolet Equinox with damage and no rear license plate. The vehicle was last seen heading south on Wadsworth Boulevard from 72nd Avenue, before someone spotted the vehicle in an apartment parking lot around 5 p.m. in the 8200 block of Sheridan Boulevard. The person tipped off police, who found McConnell and arrested him.

McConnell told investigators that he needed the money from the robbery to buy oxycodone, according to the affidavit.

The Denver detective, who has not been identified, remained in the hospital Friday in fair condition.

Denver Police Department Chief Paul Pazen said the detective "displayed great courage" in trying to stop the armed suspect.

McConnell faces charges of attempted first degree murder and aggravated robbery.