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Police officer killed at Denver's City Park Jazz festival

By Kristi Arellano

The Denver Post

Posted:   06/24/2012 01:00:00 AM MDT

Updated:   06/25/2012 12:29:15 AM MDT

Denver Police investigate the scene where an officer was shot on Sunday, June 24, at City Park in Denver. The shooting occurred after the weekly City Park Jazz event. Jeremy Papasso/ Camera (Daily Camera | JEREMY PAPASSO)

A female police officer was shot and killed Sunday night during Denver's popular City Park Jazz scene, sending hundreds of people fleeing as shots were fired.

The officer was shot in the head while breaking up a fight just as the music ended. She was taken to a hospital, where she was declared dead.

As many as 30 police cars were reported on the scene near the boat house. Multiple people were questioned, and dozens of officers continued to scour the area, including the nearby Denver Zoo.

At a late-night news conference, Mayor Michael Hancock asked for residents of Denver to give the Police Department their prayers and said the city mourned the loss of a single mother and a tremendous leader.

Hancock said Denver

A Denver Police officer stands guard at the scene where an officer was shot on Sunday, June 24, at City Park in Denver. The shooting occurred after the weekly City Park Jazz event. Jeremy Papasso/ Camera (Daily Camera | JEREMY PAPASSO)

was still "a safe city" and that he wouldn't let a few people destroy summer events attended by thousands of people — including his wife and children.

"We will not surrender this city to anyone," he said.

Chief Robert White said one person, who possessed a gun, was in custody but that the person had not been confirmed as a suspect.

"We will know about that tomorrow," he said.

Sometime after 8 p.m., multiple shots were fired. The chaotic scene was one of confusion as fleeing people shouted, "They're shooting over there."

Crowds seated southwest of the pavilion reacted slowly at first, but as people began rushing by from the other end of the park, chaos erupted. Many people tripped, and lawn chairs and blankets were abandoned.

The slain officer was originally from Detroit and was a seven-year veteran of the police force.

Sunday night's concert was a tribute to Charlie Burrell, a jazz bassist who also plays with the Denver Symphony Orchestra. The concert also featured Purnell Steen and Le Jazz Machine.

Witnesses to the shooting are asked to contact Denver police at 720-913-STOP.

Denver Post business editor Kristi Arellano contributed to this report.

She was the single mother of a 12yr old daughter. Very sad, indeed.

21 year old Rollin Michael Oliver was arrested and charged with her murder. He was found in possession of a handgun when captured. Idiot Chief White, I guess from his own personal investigative divination, stated yesterday to the media. "I don't think he did it on purpose". Really. What an absolutely stupid thing to say that would be offensive to me if I were her family. But hey, we are used to White saying stupid things, like "I don't care about you or your families, the community comes first".