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Denver police officer stabbed by suspect Wednesday is in stable condition

Alicia Esquibel mug.jpg
Posted at 11:14 AM, Jan 07, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-07 14:09:56-05

DENVER — A Denver police officer who was stabbed by a suspect while responding to a call on Wednesday is in stable condition.

Denver Police Department Chief Paul Pazen said officers were dispatched just after 5 p.m. Wednesday to an area around Federal Boulevard and W. 6th Avenue on a report of a person trespassing. A couple officers responded and contacted the person.

As the officers talked with the person, a second person approached the police and stabbed one of them a couple times, Pazen said. According to a probable cause statement, the suspect used a knife to stab the officer in his chest and torso.

The officers subdued the person.

The injured officer was transported to a hospital with serious wounds, but will be OK, Pazen said. He was wearing a vest at the time.

"We were fortunate, we were lucky tonight — that overall, our officer is going to be OK," Pazen said.

The officer is a young man who has been with the department about three years, Pazen said. They are not releasing his name. The police department said as of 7 p.m. Wednesday, he was in stable condition.

Pazen said the officers resolved the initial alleged trespassing situation.

The stabbing suspect was taken into custody.

She was identified on Wednesday around 11:30 a.m. as Alicia Esquibel, 38. She is being held for investigation of attempted first-degree murder of a peace officer, according to the Denver Police Department.

Alicia Esquibel mug.jpg

Pazen said the motive for the stabbing wasn't clear, but is under investigation.

DPD Chief: Denver officer stabbed by suspect