Denver Police Shooting: Suspect, 19, in Custody

DENVER, CO - A 19-year-old man shot by a Denver police officer Friday night was behind the wheel of a car that a 911 caller reported he was trying to steal, said Lt. Matthew Clark, spokesman for the Denver Police Dept. on Saturday. Officers were summoned at 9:02 to an industrial area in the 4500 block of Kingston Street by a caller, who said he observed a car being stolen.

"The suspect flourished a handgun," Clark told reporters.

The first officer arrived at 9:04 and recognized the vehicle, based on the description given, Clark said. The officer, who has been a patrol officer with the Denver Police since Oct., 2005, parked his squad car in a way that would block in the allegedly stolen car, Clark said.

The driver of the car, identified as Sergio Casimiro-Mejia, ignored verbal orders to exit the vehicle. Clark said the officer was wearing a body cam, which was activated. Casimiro-Hejia allegedly put the car into reverse and drove over several parking barriers, colliding with a chain link fence, where the car became stuck.

The driver then began to roll the car slowly forward in a path the would have passed the officer. The officer allegedly observed a handgun in Casimiro-Mejia and, fearing for his life, fired one shot, which struck the suspect through the lower jaw and shoulder.

At that point, the car "rolled to a stop," Clark said, and Casimiro-Mejia was taken into custody, given medical treatment and transported to Denver Health Medical Center, Clark said. The suspect had "non-life-threatening injuries."

Casimiro-Mejia was charged with aggravated motor vehicle theft, felony menacing and possession of a weapon by a previous offender, Clark said.

Another officer responding to the call was involved in an auto accident two blocks away on the way to the scene. That officer did not sustain serious injuries.

The officer involved in the shooting is currently on administrative leave while the case is investigated by the Denver Police Major Crimes Division and the Aurora Police Major Crime Unit, Clark said.

PHOTO: Denver Police Spokesman Lt. Matthew Clark. Courtesy Denver Police Dept.