Who is Rueben Sanez? Denver man armed with airsoft gun shot by police after confrontation
A Denver incident unfolded as a man armed with what appeared to be a firearm, later identified as a realistic-looking Airsoft gun, encountered police officers. Who is Rueben Sanez? The situation escalated when the individual, identified as 36-year-old Rueben Sanez, pointed the gun-like object at multiple people. The episode commenced when a concerned caller reported…
A Denver incident unfolded as a man armed with what appeared to be a firearm, later identified as a realistic-looking Airsoft gun, encountered police officers.
Who is Rueben Sanez?
The situation escalated when the individual, identified as 36-year-old Rueben Sanez, pointed the gun-like object at multiple people.
The episode commenced when a concerned caller reported that Sanez had pointed the weapon at him. The suspect then proceeded to direct the gun-like object towards a Burger King restaurant, where another victim reported being threatened as Sanez aimed the weapon and discharged it. Although the projectiles did not penetrate the glass, they left discernible marks.
A plainclothes officer, adhering to the suspect’s description, spotted Sanez near 45th Avenue and Josephine Street. The officer maintained surveillance while awaiting further instructions. Sanez subsequently reached into a bag, retrieved the gun-like object, and approached the plainclothes officer’s vehicle.
Fearing for his safety, the officer emerged from his vehicle, drew his own weapon, and identified himself as a law enforcement officer. He was distinguishable by a tactical vest worn over his regular attire.
However, Sanez did not comply with the officers’ instructions to drop the gun-like object. Instead, he turned and walked away, prompting uniformed officers in three patrol cars to arrive as backup. They continued to instruct Sanez to disarm, but he disregarded their commands.
The tense standoff continued until Sanez reached the intersection of 46th Avenue, where he faced five officers while walking backward towards York Street. He halted at this point and, in a startling turn of events, challenged the officers by shouting, “Shoot me, shoot me.”
