Denver Teen Arrested After Gun Toss During Apartment Chase

Police recovered two firearms, including one that was reported stolen, during the incident in Lincoln Park.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:55am

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A juvenile was arrested in Denver after a chaotic incident at an apartment building in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, where shots were reportedly fired and the suspect allegedly tossed a handgun over an interior railing during a foot chase with police. Officers were able to recover the discarded firearm with the help of a police drone and also seized a second stolen handgun from the suspect.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns over youth-involved gun violence in the Denver metro area, where recent data has pointed to a rise in serious incidents tied to juvenile suspects. The Lincoln Park neighborhood has also logged repeated firearm and property crime incidents in recent years.

The details

According to the Denver Police Department, officers were dispatched to reports of shots fired at an apartment building on N. Galapago Street. The department's drone unit located a discarded firearm, which officers were then able to recover. During a foot chase inside the building, the juvenile suspect allegedly pulled out a handgun and threw it over an interior railing. The suspect was taken into custody, and a second stolen handgun was found in a satchel the suspect was wearing.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, January 19, 2026.

The players

Denver Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and made the arrest.

Denver District Attorney's Office

The office that is expected to review the case and decide whether to file charges against the juvenile suspect.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to work together to address youth violence and keep our communities safe.”

— Chief Paul Pazen, Denver Police Chief (Denver Post)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the juvenile suspect to be released on bail pending further legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges Denver faces in addressing gun violence, particularly among young offenders. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that combines law enforcement, community engagement, and targeted interventions to address the root causes of youth crime.