A disturbing incident in downtown Denver has raised serious concerns about public safety after a man was randomly shot while riding a scooter. The attack, described as unprovoked, left the victim badly injured and shaken, while the accused now faces serious legal charges.
What Happened in Downtown Denver
The incident took place late at night on April 3 near the busy intersection of 18th and Stout streets in Denver, Colorado. Police received reports of gunfire just before 11:45 p.m. and quickly reached the scene.
When officers arrived, they found a man with a serious gunshot wound. The victim, later identified as Nico Francis, had been shot in the neck while riding his scooter. Emergency services rushed him for treatment as police began searching for the suspect.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to investigators, the situation started when a white SUV stopped near Francis while he was waiting at a red light. A passenger inside the vehicle allegedly began shouting at people standing at a nearby bus stop.
Soon after, the same person turned his attention to Francis and started yelling at him. A witness said the man aggressively asked Francis if he had a problem.
Francis later told police that he tried to calm the situation. He reportedly said he didn’t know the man and didn’t want any trouble. However, the situation quickly turned violent.
Without any clear reason, the suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and fired at Francis.
Victim’s Terrifying Experience
Francis later shared his experience in interviews, describing the terrifying moment. He said he saw the man pointing a gun directly at him before hearing a loud gunshot.
He immediately realised he was hit as he saw blood and feared he might die right there on the street. The sudden and random nature of the attack made the experience even more shocking.
Francis believes the attacker may not have had any specific motive. He said it felt like the group in the SUV was simply “looking for a fight” that night.
Quick Police Action and Arrest
Witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot before the SUV sped away from the scene. Police later located the vehicle and detained several people inside.
During questioning, one of the passengers reportedly identified Anthony Davon Apodaca as the shooter. He was later arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Apodaca, a 31-year-old man from Colorado, is now facing a serious charge of attempted first-degree murder. Court records show that he is scheduled to appear in Denver County Court on April 21 for an advisement hearing.
One concerning detail is that Apodaca was released after posting a bond of $75,000. While he is currently under house arrest, this has caused fear and anxiety for the victim.
Francis has openly said that he does not feel safe knowing the accused is not in jail.
A Bystander’s Brave Act
In the middle of this frightening incident, one person’s quick action made a big difference. A bystander stepped in immediately after the shooting and helped Francis by applying pressure to his wound.
This timely help played a major role in saving his life before emergency responders arrived. Francis later expressed deep gratitude, calling the man his lifesaver.
Recovery and Impact
Francis suffered serious injuries and now faces a long recovery process. He is undergoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, which will take time and effort.
Beyond physical injuries, the emotional impact of such a random and violent attack is also significant. The fear and trauma from that night continue to affect him.
