DENVER — A man who fatally shot a 12-year-old auto theft suspect will not face criminal charges, the Denver District Attorney's Office confirmed to Denver7.
Carolyn Tyler, public information officer for the DA's office, said the office concluded it would not be able to meet their ethical obligation of proving any charges guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sometime Sunday, Feb. 5, the Denver Police Department received a report of an auto theft from the 8300 block of East Northfield Boulevard.
The vehicle owner told authorities he was tracking the vehicle using an app, and found it in the area of West 12th Avenue and North Decatur Street.
When the owner approached the car, he was "involved in an exchange of gunfire" with those inside the vehicle, according to Denver police.
RELATED: 12-year-old's death highlights auto theft crisis in Colorado
A juvenile male drove the car to the 2900 block of West 10th Avenue, where officers found him suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead.
The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner identified the juvenile as Elias Armstrong, 12.
The vehicle owner was contacted at the scene by officers.
It is believed other occupants of the vehicle ran off from the 2900 block of West 10th Avenue before officers arrived. Tyler said the investigation remains open. Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
