Denver Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch Saturday, February 25, 1995
Add to My HeroesShawn Leinen
Officer Shawn Leinen was shot and killed while in a foot chase of a juvenile subject whom he had observed breaking into a car.
Officer Leinen was in the process of taking a shots fired call when he made the observation. He chased the youth into a dead end when the boy turned and fired, striking him in the chest. The rounds were stopped by his vest but knocked him down and stunned him. The youth then stood over Officer Leinen and shot him in the head.
Witnesses heard Officer Leinen shout at the youth "Don't do it man!" before being shot. On September 1st, 1995, the suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Leinen was a veteran of the Wyoming Air National Guard and served with the Denver Police Department for three years. He was survived by his expectant wife.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour 3 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 54 ReflectionsI was just thinking of Shawn and how great a person he is. He was always making everything a challenge and he loved challenges. The last time I spoke to him over 25 years ago come to mind. He was smiling and talking about how fast he was going to make it from SE Iowa to Denver in his Mitsubishi. He could even make a boring drive across Iowa and Nebraska fun! This world can never get back what it lost when we lost you.
James Wilson
Fraternity Brother
February 8, 2019
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