News >> Browse Articles >> Law Enforcement News
Wear Your Vest: Officer's Life Saved During Shootout
The Denver Post via YellowBrix
January 04, 2011
NORTHGLENN, CO — Northglenn police found the homeowner with a gunshot wound after using a robot to enter the house early Tuesday morning.
Northglenn police officer Dennis Alps was trying to serve a warrant when he was shot Monday evening.
“One of our officers was shot in the upper arm. Also another round, I was told, hit almost in the center of his body armor, in his chest,” said Northglenn Police Chief Russell Van Houten.
Alps was one of several officers who went to a house in the 1400 block of Bowman Place near Irma Drive, looking for Anderson. Police also had a search warrant for the address.
“When officers received no answer at the door, they breached the door and as soon as they got inside, gunfire came from inside the home, striking one of our officers,” Van Houten said.
“(Alps) was transported by ground ambulance down to Denver Health. He’s been in the emergency department. And my understanding is if he hasn’t already been released he’s going to be released and go home.”
Anderson, 40, is accused of attempting to lure a 13-year-old girl for sex over the Internet. He faces charges of Internet sex exploitation of a child, child inducement and Internet luring of a child.
Anderson pleaded guilty in 2009 to similar charges filed in Jefferson County, according to Colorado court records.
The SWAT team was called out a little after 6:45 p.m. Monday, and officers surrounded the home. Some neighbors were told to stay inside their homes, while others were evacuated.
After several hours with no communication from the suspect, police sent a robot into the house at about 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
“The robot went in, went up the stairs and found the deceased male’s body inside,” said Van Houten.
Investigators believe Anderson had been dead for some several hours.
Officials say Anderson’s home was in foreclosure and the utilities had been shut off for some time.
TrafficCop28
over 2 years ago
1424 Comments
Why am I not suprised to see a habitual offender committing the same crimes! Geesh! Body armor saves lives. If you or your co-worker isn't wearing one, you're going to be a victim. Large departments or small departments, it doesn't matter. People are declaring war upon us!
DonnaLynn
over 2 years ago
9342 Comments
Speedy recovery to the officer. Big bump to wearing your vest!
HeadShot
over 2 years ago
736 Comments
there are still some old-school guys in my dept that refuse to wear their vests. the little bit of discomfort is well worth the time I get to spend with my family and friends.
dolphinblue
over 2 years ago
41970 Comments
Wishing Officer Alps a speedy recovery.
LAWMANTUKES
over 2 years ago
6558 Comments
I pray for a speedy recovery for Police Officer Dennis Alps. And as for the evil waste of human DNA that shot him, "you got what you asked for....."
LAWMANTUKES
over 2 years ago
6558 Comments
I can tell you that during the many years that I have enjoyed working as a Police Officer, I have probably worn my vest 90% of the time. However, as I reflect upon all those times that I didn't, I sometimes wonder was I flirting with death or great bodily harm by not doing so. So now I say to myself; "Why tempt fate..??" And so from now on, I have made a better choice in my decision towards wearing it. I now wear it everytime that I put on my uniform. And now at least my loved ones and friends, breathe a little easier nowing I do this. Bottom line is; If you don't wear it for yourself, at least wear it for those who love you....
Please be careful out there my borthers and sisters.
AKangel
over 2 years ago
4824 Comments
AMEN on the vest, speedy recovery to the officer stay safe out there
gheil
over 2 years ago
478 Comments
If you put on a badge and a gun, the vest needs to be part of the process. Prayer for a speedy recovery to Officer Alps.
grant319
over 2 years ago
1208 Comments
We pray for a speedy recovery for the injured officer.
GrayPanther
over 2 years ago
964 Comments
Glad the Officers are okay. Yet another reason to always wear your BPV.
bobska
over 2 years ago
660 Comments
Glad to hear the Officer is alive. Remember to always vest up, no matter what the call is. Stay safe my fellow brothers and sisters!!
Jonas
over 2 years ago
38360 Comments
Praying for a real quick recovery. Telling Officers to wear their vests is the same as making the "move over" law for citizens. This is a no brainer boys any girls. How many of you out there got no brains???
ImpdsAngel
over 2 years ago
3154 Comments
Speedy Recovery For the officer hurt, Proof is in the pudding..just another reason to wear the vest !!!! Amen Saves Lifes
USLawman1983
over 2 years ago
1568 Comments
Prayers for a speedy recovery. Glad he was wearing his body armor. Warriors never enter the field of battle without their shield.
Anonymous
over 2 years ago
I can't believe anyone would not wear it. I was lucky to have one when I started, many moons ago, because not everyone had them and some officers had to buy their own. It's not 100% but its better than none!