DENVER, CO – A violent incident unfolded outside a popular Denver bar owned by country music star Dierks Bentley on Saturday night. A woman, who was denied entry into the establishment, allegedly opened fire, injuring five people. The suspect remains at large, with Denver police intensifying their search efforts.
The incident took place outside Whiskey Row, a bustling nightlife spot in downtown Denver. The woman was reportedly turned away by the bar’s security staff, who suspected she was attempting to use someone else’s identification. According to local sources, the woman left the queue of patrons waiting to enter the bar, only to return moments later, brandishing a firearm and firing shots towards the venue.
The bullets, however, did not hit the intended targets, but instead struck five bystanders who were outside the bar at the time. Denver Public Safety officials confirmed that all five victims are expected to recover from their injuries.
Andrew Reader, a security worker at a nearby bar, recounted the terrifying moments to local media. He heard the gunshots and immediately ushered everyone on the sidewalk into his bar, locking the doors for safety. Once the police confirmed the area was secure, patrons were guided towards the back of the bar and exited through the backdoor.
Madison Sharnowski, a witness who was in line to enter Whiskey Row at the time of the shooting, described the scene as chaotic, with people screaming and running for cover. She expressed her gratitude that she and her friends were unharmed, despite the woman in front of her and behind her both being shot. Sharnowski stayed with one of the victims, a young woman shot in the ankle, until medical help arrived.
Denver police have since released a photo of the suspected shooter and are offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to her arrest.