Ron Thomas

The Denver Police Department launched a Violence Suppression Action Plan to address 35 homicides this year, featuring initiatives like the Violence Response Team, Place Network Investigation expansion, and enhanced firearm enforcement. The plan also includes a Violence Reduction Council and public awareness campaigns to combat illegal firearms and community violence.

Denver police have launched a violence suppression action plan to address a 36.8% increase in homicides through July 1, 2026, despite declines in other crime categories. The plan includes a Violence Response Team, expanded Place Network Investigations, regulatory actions targeting high-risk locations, an illegal firearm awareness campaign, and interagency collaboration.

Denver leaders address rising youth violence linked to easy access to guns after a deadly shooting involving two juveniles. Police Chief Ron Thomas highlighted the issue of young people committing violent crimes and emphasized the need for better gun storage to prevent access. Shana Shaw of Compound of Compassion discussed community efforts to combat youth violence through compassion programs and support services.

A shooting at a southeast Denver nightclub killed one person and injured eight others, prompting community response from the Struggle of Love Foundation, which organized cleanup and violence prevention outreach. Denver Police are investigating, suggesting two groups may have been involved but denying gang motivation. Community members express frustration with nightclub-related issues in the area.

A shooting outside Denver’s Ultra Lounge on East Hampden Avenue resulted in one death and eight injuries. Denver police are investigating the incident, which may be linked to an earlier confrontation in Aurora, and reported evidence suggesting at least two weapons were used. The injured victims are in serious but stable condition at nearby hospitals.

Denver Police stated an officer shot Wilson Guerra Bravo, 26, after he ignored warnings and returned to a residence with a 12-inch knife. Police Chief Ron Thomas said the officer responded appropriately to an imminent threat. Guerra Bravo was charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, and the incident remains under investigation.

Denver homicide rates increased by 36.8% through July 1, 2026, compared to the same period last year, despite declines in most other violent crime categories. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas expressed concern over the rise but did not specify causes, while the department credited crime-reduction strategies like the Drones as First Responders program and seizing 920 illegal guns for lower overall crime rates. The department achieved an 88% clearance rate for homicides in 2026.

Denver police report two fatal shootings linked to vehicle-theft confrontations, urging residents to avoid engaging suspects and instead call 911. The incidents occurred in east Denver and the northside on June 24 and July 9, 2026, contributing to a rise in city homicides. Police emphasize the dangers of confronting suspected thieves, noting both victims died after confrontations.

Denver Police Department has introduced an 'Education-Based Development' policy to replace formal discipline with training for low-level officer misconduct, covering 60-65% of cases. Police Chief Ron Thomas supports the program for faster accountability, while Independent Monitor Liz Pérez Castle criticizes it as undermining city law and community expectations.

Denver's Independent Monitor Lisabeth Prez Castle accuses law enforcement agencies of excluding her office from key policy decisions, citing changes to discipline and Taser policies without consultation. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas denies the claims, stating his department values accountability and collaboration with the monitor, while some city council members support the monitor's concerns.