Driver intentionally drives into 3 Denver officers and flees; car later located

The officers intentionally hit by a car Saturday night are expected to make a full recovery, Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen said Sunday.

The three officers, along with a civilian, were injured when a car drove into them.

"A person drove a car directly into three innocent police officers. ... These officers who were injured were doing so while serving our community," Pazen said.

A bystander near the officer was also hit and injured.

The officers were working near the state Capitol on the third day of mass demonstrations in Denver protesting the death of a black man at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer.

"I want to thank the people who came out to protest peacefully in a non-violent way," Pazen said. "We know there are agitators who have other goals."

Officers had been searching for the vehicle since it fled the scene following the crash. Pazen said Sunday the car had been located, but did not elaborate further, including whether the driver had been identified or arrested.

Two of the three officers had already been released from the hospital. The one still in the hospital was expected to make a full recovery, Pazen said. The civilian's condition was not released.

The chief said he stood with the Coloradans outraged at 46-year-old George Floyd's death.

"We empathize with those who are upset with the disgusting death of George Floyd. We are too. We see you, we are with you … we want to work with you for immediate change.

"Let us unite and work together to show what it is like to stand together."