Denver police shot a man who allegedly advanced toward officers while holding a knife after a foot pursuit near East 5th Avenue and Washington Street on Sunday, Chief Ron Thomas said.

The incident began around noon when two officers responded to reports of an individual harassing people in the area, Thomas said during a news conference.

Officers located a man who had previously been reported for similar behavior. Police observed that he was carrying a knife and ordered him to drop the weapon, Thomas said.

Instead, the man ran from officers, prompting a foot pursuit. During the chase, officers drew their guns and again ordered the man to drop the knife, according to Thomas.

The man refused and continued running before turning and approaching an officer while still armed with the knife, Thomas said. One officer then fired several shots, striking the man.

After the shooting, officers rendered aid to the suspect at the scene, Thomas said.

The man was armed with what Thomas described as a long knife. His condition was not immediately released.

Investigators began collecting evidence at the scene and the Denver Police Department initiated its officer-involved shooting protocol, Thomas said.