Two Denver Police Officers Cited for Separate Incidents

Two Denver Police Officers Cited for Separate Incidents

Published on July 08, 2026

Denver - Wednesday, July 8, 2026 - Today, the Denver Police Department announces two officers facing charges related to two separate incidents. Denver Police Officer Gabriel Lucero was issued a citation for Third-Degree Assault, Official Misconduct, and False Reporting. Denver Police Officer Javon Leach was issued a citation for Reckless Driving and Eluding.

On May 22, 2026, just before 1:00 a.m., in the 500 block of 16th St., Lucero was involved in an assault at a local business. He is seen assaulting an individual at the location and then steps away as other individuals assault the victim. Security of the business, as well as an off-duty officer working at the location, escort Lucero and the group out of the business. As they were being escorted, Lucero identifies himself as a DPD officer. After being escorted out of the property, he attempts to regain entry of the business by using his department-issued police badge and presenting it to the front security guard. As Lucero leaves the business, the officer working at the business asks for the officer's name. Lucero provides a false name and does not provide other information. After further investigation, his identity was verified and confirmed to be Lucero.

Lucero joined DPD in 2025 and was most recently assigned to District Two. Due to Lucero being on probationary status, his employment is being terminated as of July 8, 2026.

On June 21, 2026, at approximately 1:41 a.m., officers observed a vehicle, driven by Leach, pull out from a parking lot in the 2000 block of Larimer St. and drive against the flow of traffic on Larimer St. Officers on foot in the area attempted to stop the vehicle by issuing commands to stop. Leach continued driving and left the area. At approximately 1:48 a.m., the vehicle Leach was driving was seen by an officer traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on Park Avenue West. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop by turning on their police lights and siren, but the driver failed to stop and continued driving away. Through the investigation, it was determined Leach was driving the vehicle.

Leach joined DPD in 2023 and was most recently assigned to District Three Patrol. Due to Officer Leach's misdemeanor offenses, he has been placed in an off-line assignment while the case makes its way through the judicial process.

The Denver Police Department's administrative review of Leach's incident will begin once the criminal case is adjudicated, and that process includes the Denver Department of Safety and the Office of the Independent Monitor, a civilian oversight agency.

The Denver Police Department is committed to transparency and accountability. When a Denver Police officer is arrested, DPD works to proactively share information in a timely manner when possible. As with all arrests, the suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

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