Denver Man Pleads Guilty After Shooting at Officers
Published on September 23, 2026
On Friday, September 18, 2026, a 44-year-old Denver man pleaded guilty to two counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder and one count of Aggravated Robbery following a violent January incident that began with a carjacking and ended with gunfire directed at law enforcement officers in Littleton.
Daniel Reynaldo Tolentino pleaded guilty Friday to:
- Attempted First-Degree Murder – 2 counts
- Aggravated Robbery
The incident began on January 12, 2026, when Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) deputies responded to a reported carjacking at the Action Jackson Car and Dog Wash in Centennial.
Tolentino approached a man who was washing his SUV and initially asked to use his cellphone. After the victim declined and gave Tolentino cash, Tolentino pulled out a handgun, pointed it at the victim, and demanded the keys to his vehicle. Tolentino then fled in the stolen SUV.
A Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputy later located the vehicle in Highlands Ranch and attempted to stop it. Tolentino fled, leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit through Highlands Ranch and northbound on U.S. Highway 85.
The pursuit continued into Littleton and the Wolhurst Mobile Home Park, where Tolentino drove through yards and fields. LPD officers responded to assist and ultimately used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the stolen vehicle.
As law enforcement officers surrounded the vehicle to prevent Tolentino from fleeing, he rammed a DCSO deputy and fired multiple rounds from a .45-caliber handgun at officers.
One DCSO deputy was grazed by a bullet and was treated and released. Another DCSO deputy returned fire, striking Tolentino in the hand. Officers then took Tolentino into custody.
Original Release
“This case is a powerful example of what can happen when law enforcement agencies work together,” said LPD Chief Gene Enley. “Our officers responded alongside our partners, worked together to stop a dangerous pursuit and helped bring a violent situation to an end. I’m proud of the professionalism and courage demonstrated by everyone involved, and I’m grateful the deputy who was injured was able to go home to his family.”
“This conviction is an important step toward justice for the victims and accountability for a violent attack that put our deputies’ lives in grave danger,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly. “Our deputies stood their ground, protected one another and this community, and never backed down. I’m proud of their courage and resolve, and grateful they made it home to their families.”
Tolentino was booked into the ACSO Jail, where he has remained in custody.
He faces a sentencing range of 50 to 80 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. His sentencing is scheduled for November 13, 2026, at 3 p.m.
The Littleton Police Department would like to recognize the ACSO, DCSO, and the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for their partnership throughout this case. Incidents like this demonstrate the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to protect the communities they serve.