Denver man suspected of killing 5 people in shooting knew most of the victims: Police

DENVER (TCD) -- Police believe the man suspected of opening fire and killing five people Monday knew many of his victims in a shooting rampage that spanned two cities.

Law enforcement officials with the Denver Police Department and Lakewood Police Department spoke in a press conference Tuesday and provided more details about the events that took place on the evening of Dec. 27. John Romero, the public information officer with the Lakewood Police Department, identified the suspect as 47-year-old Lyndon James McLeod.

Matt Clark, commander of the Denver Police Major Crimes Unit, said the first 911 call came in at about 5:25 p.m. regarding a shooting at business near First Avenue and Broadway. KDVR-TV reports Sol Tribe Tattoo and Piercing is located near that intersection. According to KMGH-TV, the shop’s owner, Alicia Cardenas, died in the shooting. The other female victim is reportedly Alyssa Gunn-Maldonado.

Clark said officers located three victims at the scene. Two women were pronounced dead, and the third victim who was wounded by gunfire reportedly "fled the business and was located south of the business." He was transported to the hospital and remains in critical condition and is expected to survive.

Minutes later, at 5:31 p.m., Denver Police received a second call about a burglary in progress on the 200 block of West 6th Avenue. The suspect reportedly tried gaining entry into a residence that doubled as a business. McLeod allegedly fired at the occupants but did not strike anyone. He then reportedly set a van on fire in the alley behind the residence.

At 5:45 p.m., Denver Police responded to a shooting at a residence in the 1200 block of Williams Street, where they found a deceased male. Officers obtained information about McLeod’s vehicle, which they described as a black Ford van. Denver Police saw the vehicle moments later and attempted a traffic stop, which resulted in a chase. McLeod allegedly opened fire at police and struck the car, which prevented officers from continuing after him.

Police say McLeod then fled Denver and made his way into Lakewood. At 5:58 p.m., Lakewood Police responded to a shots fired call at Lucky Tattoo Parlor. A male victim, identified as 38-year-old Danny Scofield, was pronounced dead at the scene.

McLeod reportedly made his way to the Belmar shopping center and went to Hyatt House. He reportedly got into an argument with the front desk worker and shot her. She was identified as 28-year-old Sarah Streck.

He allegedly continued through the Belmar shopping area and encountered Lakewood officers. He opened fire and struck a female officer. Romero said the officer "courageously, after being shot, was somehow able to compose herself and open fire on the suspect striking him."

McLeod was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer is expected to make a full recovery.

Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen said McLeod was "on the radar of law enforcement." There were reportedly two previous investigations into his actions, but they did not result in any charges.

Clark added, "Based on what we know, it does appear that the offender was targeting specific people in this case. The victims were known to the offender."

He said McLeod had previous interactions with Hyatt House, but not specifically with the clerk who died.

The investigation remains ongoing.

MORE: