A handcuffed suspect shot an officer in the neck as he exited a police vehicle to enter a detention center, Denver police said.

Officers pursued the suspect, believing he was driving a stolen vehicle. The suspect was able to elude officers for a bit and began walking away from the vehicle when he was detained. 

When officers confirmed the vehicle was stolen, they recovered a handgun and "large quantity of suspected narcotics" while taking him into custody. 

During attempted removal of the suspect from the police vehicle at the downtown detention center, police say the suspect accessed another weapon that must have been concealed on him, and fired one round, striking an officer in the neck.

Officers returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times.

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Denver jail exterior

A look at the downtown Denver jail following an officer-involved shooting Nov. 28, 2022.

Denver PD OIS scene

Denver police respond to an officer-involved shooting in downtown Monday, Nov. 28, 2022.

Both the suspect and officer were taken to the hospital. The suspect was listed in critical condition, while the officer is expected to make a recovery. 

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Denver hospital

Suspect, officer taken to hospital following officer-involved shooting in downtown Denver.

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The shooting will now be investigated under the city's officer-involved shooting protocol. The results will be turned over to the District Attorney's Office.