Incident: Sunday, October 11, 2026, 12800 block of Ulster Street, Thornton, Colorado. Reported by the Thornton Police Department the same night, with a written release on October 12, 2026.
A Thornton police officer was shot Sunday night while officers investigated a report of an unwanted person. The department said officers responded to the 12800 block of Ulster Street at about 9:33 p.m.
While officers were on scene speaking with the reporting party, the suspect fired multiple rounds at them and struck one officer, according to the department. The officer was taken to an area hospital with what Thornton police described as serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
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A second Thornton officer returned fire. The department said investigators have not determined whether the suspect was struck. The suspect fled the scene.
Police identified the suspect as Luis Arebalo, born March 3, 1989. The department described him as 5 feet 9 inches tall and about 180 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, last seen wearing a black short-sleeved shirt and dark-colored pants.
Thornton police say Arebalo is armed and dangerous and remained at large as of the department’s latest update. The public is urged not to approach him. Anyone who sees him or knows where he is should call 911. Tips can go to the Thornton Police Tip Line at (720) 977-5069.
A shelter-in-place order for residents near the 12800 block of Ulster Street was lifted early Monday. Officers remained in the area.
The wounded officer has not been identified. Charges have not been announced.
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