DENVER — An Aurora man who shot at police officers who were trying to take him into custody last year will spend decades in prison after pleading guilty to two charges.
Treneil McNeal was wanted on outstanding warrants, including one related to the 2021 murder of a Coors Field concession worker. On Sept. 13, 2022, police tracked McNeal to the Super 8 Motel at East 36th Avenue and Quebec Street. according to the Denver District Attorney's Office.
McNeal opened fire on Denver Police officers after they identified themselves and ordered him to exit his room. He shot at officers through the motel room door, and through a window at a police Bearcat and K-9 vehicle in the parking lot below, the DA's office said.
The gunfire forced people who were at a nearby Chick-fil-A restaurant to take cover. McNeal fired more than 20 rounds from two handguns, according to the DA's office.
Police took McNeal into custody a short time later.
McNeal pleaded guilty last month to two counts of first-degree assault on a peace officer. Denver District Judge Karen Brody sentenced him to 45 years in prison on the assault charges.
In September, McNeal was convicted of second-degree murder after a five-day trial. He provided a gun that was used in the killing of 41-year-old Gregory Hopkins in August 2021. Brody sentenced McNeal to 40 years in prison in that case. The DA's office said the two sentences will run concurrently.
“The two sentences that Mr. McNeal has received ensure that he will not be a free man again for a long time, if ever, and that is very good news for the city of Denver," said Denver District Attorney Beth McCann. "I want to thank the prosecutors and investigators in my office for bringing these cases to a successful resolution. I also want to thank the Denver Police officers who exhibited great bravery and professionalism while taking Mr. McNeal into custody."
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