What we saw during 8 hours with Denver police

Monique Cummings was outside the Ross Dress for Less on the bustling 16th Street mall, recounting a recent altercation she witnessed between a shopper and an off-duty Denver police officer who was working security at the store.

Cummings described how the off-duty officer had pinned a Black woman to the ground, causing her to fear for her life. In an attempt to intervene, Cummings tried to push the officer off.

As she spoke to two bicycle officers, a man with a python named Cleo around his neck stood nearby, filming the incident on his cellphone. In the background, a woman in a white tank top and adult diaper over red boxer shorts livestreamed loudly from a phone mounted on a monopod.

Despite the commotion, passersby barely glanced at the scene, with professionals, families, and construction workers going about their day on the busy mall.

This incident on 16th Street highlighted the ongoing debate about the safety and appeal of Denver’s downtown area. The mall has faced challenges such as high business vacancy rates, ongoing renovations, and concerns about public drug use, homelessness, and occasional violence.

In response to these issues, Mayor Mike Johnston announced a new police focus on the street, deploying a 10-member team of bicycle and horse-mounted officers to patrol the area between 14th and 18th streets.

To gain insight into the individuals encountered by police on the mall, JS conducted an investigation, following officers as they made arrests and issued citations for various offenses, including obstruction, open container violations, fentanyl paraphernalia possession, and trespassing.

One of the individuals encountered during the investigation was TikToker @AmberUnavailable, who has a large following and has been known to engage in provocative behavior in public places.

Cummings, the woman who intervened in the altercation at Ross, shared her personal story of struggles with mental health, past criminal offenses, and a history of confrontations with the law. She reflected on her recent arrest in Denver, expressing a sense of personal growth and healing.

‘Not ashamed of what I’ve been through’

Cummings shared her challenging past, including the tragic loss of her mother at a young age and her subsequent struggles with mental health issues. She detailed her involvement with the criminal justice system, acknowledging her past mistakes and expressing a sense of personal growth.

Her encounter with the off-duty officer at Ross prompted reflection on her actions and a realization of her progress towards healing and self-improvement.

Despite her tumultuous history, Cummings expressed a sense of acceptance and resilience, emphasizing her willingness to confront her past and strive for a better future.

Five months of bike patrols

Officers John Singapuri and Siena Riley have been patrolling the 16th Street mall on bicycles for the past five months, focusing on building relationships with the community and addressing quality of life issues such as public urination, drug use, and trespassing.

Their presence has led to a decrease in open drug use on the street, with reported crime showing a downward trend compared to previous years. The officers engage with unhoused individuals with compassion, directing them to resources like the Denver Outreach Court for support.

Through their proactive policing efforts, Singapuri and Riley address issues that impact daily life on the mall, striving to create a safer and more welcoming environment for all visitors.

From the U.S. Army to 16th Street

John Shipman, a former U.S. Army sergeant, shared his journey from military service to homelessness, highlighting the challenges he faces with substance abuse and mental health issues.

Despite his accomplishments in the Army, Shipman’s struggles with addiction and trauma have led to a downward spiral in his life. He expressed gratitude for the officers’ understanding and intervention during a recent encounter involving drug paraphernalia.

Shipman’s family expressed concern for his well-being, emphasizing their desire to support him in seeking help and overcoming his challenges.

Trespassing by a dumpster

Officers Riley and Singapuri encountered a man and woman trespassing behind a dumpster near 16th and Welton streets, leading to a citation for the woman after she provided a false name.

The woman’s struggles with addiction and homelessness were highlighted, with concerns raised by her family about her well-being and the challenges she faces in seeking help.