DENVER, CO — Early Sunday morning, an intruder was shot and killed by a resident at an apartment near the University of Denver campus, according to Denver Police.

The incident took place inside One Observatory Park, an apartment building on East Evans Avenue just east of South University Boulevard. The resident, a man, returned home just before 1 a.m. and was confronted by an intruder inside his apartment. Startled by the unexpected presence, the resident acted in self-defense and shot the intruder, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Denver Police have stated that the resident is cooperating fully with the investigation. The identity of the intruder has not been released, with police only confirming that the individual was a man.

This incident underscores the importance of being aware of your surroundings, especially when returning home late at night. Situational awareness can play a crucial role in personal safety. It’s not uncommon for individuals to be caught off guard by intruders when they are preoccupied with simply getting home and settling in. Ensuring that you are attentive to any unusual signs as you approach your residence can provide valuable seconds to react and protect yourself. Fortunately, in this case, the resident was able to defend himself effectively.