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Police: Gunman shoots woman before apparently killing himself at downtown Denver building

Female victim in critical condition
Posted at 3:26 PM, Jun 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-29 09:23:50-04

Denver police say a gunman shot a woman before apparently killing himself at a downtown office building on Tuesday afternoon.

Police were called at 2:42 p.m. to the Alliance Center building at 1536 Wynkoop St. The building houses several dozen environmental non-profits.

An email from building management to tenants says the Alliance Center will be closed Wednesday. People with key cards may still enter, but management is encouraging them to stay away because signs of the shooting may still be visible. According to the email, "the 2nd floor, elevator and 1st floor lobby all show signs of today's tragedy."

Police spokesman Doug Schepman said officers quickly entered the building where they found the gunman dead, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. They also found a woman with several gunshot wounds. She was transported in critical condition, Schepman said.

"Based on our preliminary investigation, it appears that the victim was targeted by the suspect …This was not a random shooting," Schepman said.

Police have not released the identities of the suspect or victim. Their relationship or a possible motive is also unknown at this time.

"I was sitting outside drinking my coffee, the next thing I know I just saw a swarm of people just running out of the Alliance building yelling that there is a guy with a gun, shooter. I picked up my stuff and I ran the opposite direction," said Jordan Peters, a witness.

A woman told Denver7 investigative reporter Tony Kovaleski she heard from co-workers that two people had been shot and the "shooter was down." People quickly fled the building while others sheltered in place.

Officers blocked off multiple roads in the area, including a portion of the 16th Street Mall.