Armed suspect identified, still on the loose following police shooting in Thornton
The Thornton Police Department is still searching for an armed suspect who went on a crime spree Friday morning, now identified as 36-year-old Raymond Michael James Quintana.
Police shot at Quintana after he allegedly pointed a handgun at officers responding to burglary and menacing reports, the department announced.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Quintana for first-degree assault on an officer, felony menacing, burglary and motor vehicle theft.
Police said Quintana was involved in a burglary at an apartment near 9700 Welby Road at 8:27 a.m. When officers arrived, a witness identified Quintana, who allegedly pointed a handgun at officers, ran to a car and drove off.
Officers pursued the vehicle, which eventually crashed into a fence at 115th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.
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Following the crash, officers attempted to apprehend Quintana who again allegedly pointed a handgun at officers. Two officers then fired at Quintana, police said.
Police do not know if Quintana was hit by the shots.
After the shots were fired, Quintana ran into the surrounding neighborhood, at one point running through a house. He stole a gold Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was later recovered in the 10300 block of Tenby Lane, police said.
Police searched the area for several hours but were unable to find Quintana.
Quintana is described as tall and thin and was last seen wearing a black hat, black hoodie, white t-shirt and blue jeans. He has multiple tattoos including a large “Q” on the back of his neck and a woman wearing a headdress on his arm.
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Quintana is believed to be armed with a handgun and extremely dangerous.
If anyone sees Quintana, they are urged not to approach him and to call 911 immediately. Anyone with information about Quintana or his whereabouts is asked to call the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069.
Police are investigating the incident with several crime scenes across Thornton.
An additional investigation by the Adams County Critical Incident Team will look into the officer involved shooting. The two officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.
According to public records, Quintana has previously been charged with criminal mischief in 2012 and third-degree assault in 2012 and 2010, in addition to multiple misdemeanors and traffic crimes.