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Armed man was yelling, chasing people before officers shot him, DPD chief says

Officers returned fire, killing a man who shot at them in Commons Park Monday afternoon, DPD Chief Ron Thomas said.

DENVER — Officers shot and killed an armed man who was yelling and chasing people around Commons Park Monday afternoon, Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said. 

Thomas said around 3:40 p.m., the department got a call about a man armed with a "long gun" in Commons Park, in the area of 16th and Platte streets near downtown Denver. Officers responded and issued commands to the man, but he did not respond, Thomas said. The man then started firing at the officers, hitting one of the officer's vehicles, Thomas said. That officer was behind the car, using it as cover, at the time, Thomas said. 

Thomas said two officers immediately returned fire. The man died on the scene. He has been identified as Joshua Mitchell, 42.

Thomas said there's no evidence that the man fired any shots before the officers confronted him. No officers were injured. 

> Watch the full news conference. 

The park will likely be closed for several more hours, Thomas said. 

Thomas said multiple people called 911 about the man, and investigators are interviewing several witnesses. Anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to police is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 or visit metrodenvercrimestoppers.com.

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