Denver Shooting Victim Seeks Samaritan Who Saved His Life

Suspect in shooting released on bond, leaving victim frustrated with justice system

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:25am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh camera flash. The casing reflects a faint red glow, conceptually representing the violence and trauma of a recent shooting incident.A spent bullet casing from a shooting that left a Denver man with life-threatening injuries, exposing the harsh realities of gun violence in the city.Denver Today

A man was shot in the neck in Denver's Central Business District late Friday night and is now recovering, but is hoping to find the unidentified person who saved his life by applying pressure to the wound and calling 911. The suspect, 31-year-old Anthony Apodaca, was arrested but later released on bond, which the victim says "felt like a slap in the face."

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about bail reform and public safety, as the alleged shooter was released on bond shortly after the incident despite facing attempted murder charges. It also underscores the importance of community members stepping up to help in emergency situations, as the unidentified Good Samaritan's actions may have saved the victim's life.

The details

According to police reports, the victim was riding a scooter through the Central Business District around midnight on Friday when he was approached by Apodaca, who was in a white Chevrolet SUV with several other people. Apodaca allegedly threatened the victim, saying he would find him later and kill him. A short time later, Apodaca allegedly shot the victim in the neck as he waited at a red light. The victim began coughing up blood and couldn't call for help, but a passing Tesla driver ignored his pleas for assistance. The victim then lost consciousness, but was revived by an unidentified man who applied pressure to the wound and called 911.

  • The incident occurred just after midnight on Saturday, April 6, 2026.
  • Less than 30 minutes later, police arrested Anthony Apodaca in connection with the shooting.
  • The victim was released from the hospital but is still recovering and expects a long road ahead.

The players

Anthony Apodaca

A 31-year-old Denver resident who was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with the shooting.

Unidentified Good Samaritan

An unnamed individual who the victim believes saved his life by applying pressure to the gunshot wound and calling 911 after the victim lost consciousness.

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What they’re saying

“I genuinely didn't think he was gonna do it. I thought he was just trying to be threatening or scary, and it took me a few seconds to realize what happened. There was this loud pop, and I didn't even really feel pain, but I felt this shockwave, this vibrating sensation all through my bones.”

— Shooting Victim

“I don't even understand why it happened to me, or why he would do that. I've never seen this guy in my life. He has no reason to have done that to me. It was just completely random.”

— Shooting Victim

“It felt like a slap in the face that Apodaca bonded out. I don't know what should be done to address the issue, but I don't think releasing the suspect so quickly is the right decision.”

— Shooting Victim

What’s next

The Denver District Attorney's Office is continuing its investigation into the shooting, and the judge's decision to release Apodaca on bond is likely to face scrutiny from the community and local officials.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges around bail reform and public safety, as well as the critical role that community members can play in emergency situations. The victim's story serves as a reminder of the real human impact of these complex issues.