🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Manhunt Underway After Thornton Police Officer Shot and Seriously Injured
THORNTON, Colo.** — Authorities are searching for an armed suspect after a Thornton police officer was shot and seriously injured during an incident Sunday night, October 11, 2026.
According to the Thornton Police Department, officers were responding to a report of an unwanted person at approximately 9:33 p.m. in the 12800 block of Ulster Street when the situation escalated into gunfire.
Police said officers were speaking with the person who made the original report when the suspect allegedly opened fire, striking one officer.
The wounded officer was transported to a nearby hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Officials have not publicly released the officer’s identity.
## Suspect Allegedly Opened Fire on Officers
Investigators say the suspect fired multiple rounds at officers during the encounter. A second officer returned fire as the gunfight unfolded.
The suspect then fled the scene, prompting a search involving law enforcement personnel and a warning to nearby residents.
Authorities have not determined whether the suspect was struck by gunfire during the exchange. That remains an important part of the ongoing investigation.
## Police Identify Suspect as Luis Arebalo
Thornton police identified the suspect as **37-year-old Luis Arebalo**.
Authorities described him as approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 180 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last reported wearing a black short-sleeved shirt and dark-colored pants.
Police have warned members of the public not to approach Arebalo or attempt to contact him because he is considered armed and dangerous.
The investigation and search for the suspect remained active in the latest report published Monday, October 12.
## Shelter-in-Place Order Lifted
During the initial response, authorities urged residents in the surrounding area to shelter in place while officers searched for the fleeing suspect. Other members of the public were advised to avoid the area.
Police later lifted the shelter-in-place order, although the search for the suspect continued.
Officials have not announced a motive for the shooting or explained what led to the original call about an unwanted person.
## Police Ask Public for Assistance
Authorities are urging anyone who sees Arebalo to avoid approaching him and immediately call **911**.
Anyone with information that could help investigators locate the suspect is asked to contact the Thornton Police Department Tip Line at **720-977-5069**.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials may release additional information as the search progresses.
## Community Awaits Further Updates
The shooting has raised serious concerns in the Thornton community as residents await news about the injured officer and the effort to locate the suspect.
Although the officer’s injuries were described as serious, police reported that they were not considered life-threatening in the latest available update.
**Memorial Ash News will continue monitoring the situation and share confirmed developments as authorities release further information.**
—
### 📰 Follow Memorial Ash News
For breaking news, crime reports, obituary updates, and developing stories:
**Website:** [Accurate Memorial News](https://accuratememorialnews.icu)
**Facebook:** [Memorial Ash News on Facebook](https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591431556603)
**#ThorntonColorado #BreakingNews #PoliceShooting #OfficerInjured #PoliceSearch #ColoradoNews**
