COPS KILL GUNMAN, FREE WOUNDED HOSTAGES, OFFICER ALSO HURT

Police killed a gunman in a hail of bullets at a Denver convenience store Monday night and freed two wounded hostages, Chief Ron Thomas said. A police officer was also wounded and underwent surgery.

"There were five or six officers that responded," the chief said. "A number of them did engage in gunfire with the suspect."

The store - part of the Maverick chain - is located in the 3200-block of South Parker Road. A witness, believed to be a security guard, called 911 for help.

The gunman, armed with a semi-automatic handgun, was pronounced dead at a hospital. The hostages were believed to be store employees.

Aurora police officers also responded to the call.