DENVER — A shooting early Tuesday that injured 10 people, including at least one suspect and several bystanders, was likely the result of a drug deal which police said they don't think was related to celebrations of the Denver Nuggets championship win.
"What we couldn't have planned for is a drug deal right in the middle of a celebration for an NBA Championship," said Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas. "Thankfully, we were close enough to be able to respond quickly, take suspects into custody and tend to those that were wounded."
The crowd celebrating the Nuggets' win had reduced significantly when gunfire erupted in Lower Downtown near 20th and Market streets just after 12:30 a.m.
At least 20 rounds were fired from multiple firearms with a total of 10 people hit by gunfire, Thomas said. Police think that five or six victims were innocent bystanders, while the others are believed to be involved in some way, he said.
"It certainly does appear to have been a drug nexus. There were quantities of cash, there was a large amount of drugs as you can see," Thomas said. "There does appear to be a collection of individuals who are engaged in some fashion. At some point in time, you begin to see an altercation and I think at the tail end of that altercation is where shots were exchanged."
Four of the victims required immediate surgery when they arrived at Denver Health. Five patients remained in the hospital as of noon Tuesday and were in fair condition, Denver Health officials said. The victims include nine men and one woman.
Dispatch audio reveals the chaos as paramedics rushed to the scene from their staging area nearby. "I don’t have a number for you," said one first responder, when asked how many people suffered gunshot wounds. "I know at least seven patients."
"The thing to focus on is there were literally tens of thousands of people that were in the downtown area that were peacefully celebrating," Thomas said. "Unfortunately, there was a small group of individuals who decided to engage in illegal behavior, and shots were fired and things went awry."
Two people are in custody on weapons-related charges but could face additional charges as police work to determine the roles of those involved in the incidents. Additional arrests are also possible, police said.
The suspects were identified as 22-year-old Ricardo Vasquez and 33-year-old Raoul Jones. Vasquez ran from the area and was chased by officers and taken into custody near Park Avenue and Blake Street, according to DPD Commander Matt Clark.
Vasquez was was shot in the incident and taken to the hospital for treatment.
While searching Vasquez, officers recovered a firearm and suspected fentanyl, Clark said. Vasquez faces charges of possession of a weapon by a previous offender and possession of a controlled substance. No booking photo is available since he's still being treated at the hospital.
Other officers contacted the occupants of a vehicle in the parking lot across the street from the ViewHouse restaurant who were believed to be involved in the shooting. Officers found a gun on the floorboard of the vehicle and took the driver, identified as Jones, into custody, Clark said. Jones is being held on a charge of possession of a weapon by a previous offender.
Three more firearms were recovered, for a total five, Clark said. Additional forensic work will be done to determine whether all of those weapons were fired during the incident.
Anyone who has not yet spoken with police or has video of the incident is encouraged to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tippers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
>WATCH: Denver Police give update on downtown shooting that injured 10
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