DENVER -- Detectives are working around the clock to find the man who ambushed two Denver police officers, killing one and wounding another.
Two people have been questioned in connection with the weekend shooting but police say they are still looking for the gunman.
The man police are looking for is described as Hispanic, 20 to 25 years old, between 5 feet 5 inches tall to 5 feet 6 inches tall with short, dark brown or black hair that was shaved and is growing out. The gunman has a thin mustache, lightly arched eyebrows and a tattoo or tattoos on his left forearm, police said.
Denver Detectives Donald "Donnie" Young and John Bishop were both working off-duty in full uniform at a banquet hall called Solan Ocampo when a man approached them from behind and shot them.
Young, 43, was shot in the head and in the side. He died at the hospital. Bishop, 35, was shot once in the back. He was wearing a bulletproof vest, and police credited it with saving his life. Bishop was treated and released from Denver Health Sunday morning.
Witnesses say the officers were shot after they booted four men who had tried to crash the private party, but detectives could not say if this was the motive for the shooting.
"We don't know what may have caused this person to come up behind these officers," said Det. Virginia Lopez.
Police consider the gunman extremely dangerous.
"I think he's about as dangerous as you can be, possibly still armed. He ambushed this police officer, without warning, shot two police officers. I think he's very dangerous," said Denver Police Chief Gerry Whitman.
Whitman said the officers never had a chance to defend themselves. Other officers describe the shooting as "cowardly" and compared it to an execution.
"I don't ever remember a Denver police officer being ambushed in this manner," Whitman said. "I think it's just disgusting."
The officers were at the door watching the baptismal party let out when a man walked toward the door and started firing, Whitman said.
"Every indication we have is there was no altercation, the suspect didn't challenge the officers, he just walked in and shot them," Whitman said.
This occurred in the 1700 block of West Mississippi near Tejon at about 1 a.m. Sunday.
Two officers who were working off-duty nearby heard the shots and came running. They found both officers down and spotted a man with a gun fleeing into the crowd on foot.
Dozens of police officers fanned the area after the shooting, leaving no stone unturned in their search for a weapon or a clue.
Detectives have interviewed about 80 witnesses but they say there are dozens of people at the party who they have not spoken to and they would like those people to come forward. About 100 people at the party dispersed after the shooting, and most only spoke Spanish.
Officers have a man in custody on unrelated charges who "may or may not be connected" to the shooting, Whitman said.
There is a $50,000 CrimeStoppers reward for information leading to the arrest of the gunman. Callers can remain anonymous. The number to call (720) 913-STOP or (720) 913-6911.
Young Remembered By Friends, Coworkers
Those who knew Young say he will never be forgotten.
On Sunday the flag at District 4, where Young worked many years ago, flew at half-staff, as did the flags at all of the city's police stations. Police officers are wearing black bands across their badges.
Young spent the past 12 years working throughout the police department -- with vice, narcotics, the domestic violence unit and most recently as a member of the bomb squad. Young was the recipient of the Medal of Honor Award, Distinguished Service Cross Award, 10 official commendations, and two letters of commendation.
Young was a highly decorated officer, but co-workers say the awards don't say enough about the man they knew as a friend. Many officers knew him outside the job.
"We used to drink beer together, he was a good guy. I have nothing but fond memories of him and my heart goes out to his wife and kids and his dad. He was real close to his dad," said colleague and friend Nick Rogers. "He was taken way too soon, we are going to miss him, a lot of people are going to miss him."
Young boxed, played competitive softball, was a running back on the police football team and was an avid Harley motorcycle rider.
Young leaves behind a wife, Kelly, and two daughters, ages 13 and 5. Friends say he absolutely adored his daughters.
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper called Young's wife Sunday to express his condolences.
"This was cold-blooded murder. And we will not rest until we bring those responsible to justice," Hickenlooper said in a statement. "I know that the people of Denver join with me in sending prayers of comfort to Officer Young's family and wishing Officer Bishop a speedy recovery."
"Some of his old partners said right to his wife that, you know, he lived through a lot of stuff. They never thought this would happen, and so the officers are just heartbroken," Whitman said.
7NEWS Investigates reported Monday that the city of Denver will treat Young's shooting death as a work-related incident, so his family will be eligible to receive benefits.
Many also know that Bishop is also suffering.
"I know that after Jack (Bishop) was shot he took off running and he was chasing a phantom. He didn't know who he was chasing. He ran and came back and figured out he had been shot, which is pretty darn heroic, but ... my heart just goes out to everybody," Rogers said.
Young is the first Denver officer shot to death since 1997. Officer Bruce VanderJagt was killed in the line of duty in November 1997 in the notorious Lisl Auman case.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Fund Information
Special funds have been established for anyone wishing to donate to funds for the Denver police officers.
For the family of Det. Donald Young, a special fund has been set up at:
Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union
700 W. 39th Ave.
Denver, CO 80216
For Det. John H. Bishop, send donations to:
Denver Police Protective Association
2105 Decatur St.
Denver, CO 80211
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