In the midst of a time of sorrow, Michael Kapaun wanted to spend time showing respect by holding an American flag at the edge of the secured perimeter on 88th Avenue.
"Every law enforcement officer that's out and about, I want to let them know that I've got your back," Kapaun said.
He doesn't live in the neighborhood. Kapaun lives a few miles away on the northern edge of Thornton.
"It doesn't matter where I live, it's the respect," Kapaun said.
For those who lived in the area, a secure perimeter was set up from Wednesday night until about 3:20 p.m. Investigators spent time gathering evidence in multiple crime scenes even using a drone to fly over homes and yards incidents took place.
"Being a police officer, it's not an easy task," Kapaun said.
Richard Garcia lives near the area where the crimes took place. He says neighbors have been nervous since last night.
"If you’re locked up in your house, and you can’t come out, you’re talking to your neighbors, you’re talking to your relatives, relatives can’t come down and see you, what would you think?" Garcia said.
The Adams County Sheriff's Office set up its Mobile Command Center to coordinate efforts in the neighborhood.
"I would like to have them give us more information," Garcia said.
After the perimeter was lifted, there was a sense of relief. But Kapaun kept up his salute even if it cost him his ride.
"Right when I turned my back, my bike was stolen," Kapaun said.
His stolen bike did not deter him from holding that flag for hours all day on Thursday.
"I don't care if my bike gets stolen. I can go get a new one," Kapaun said.
