Broomfield, Colorado, a community typically known for its tranquility and close-knit neighborhoods, was thrown into chaos on the afternoon of September 12, 2024, when an active shooter situation erupted at the Arista Flats apartment complex. As gunshots rang out through the residential area, the Broomfield Police Department swiftly issued a shelter-in-place order, warning residents to stay indoors as the situation continued to unfold with alarming intensity. What began as a regular Thursday afternoon would soon become a harrowing ordeal for the residents of Central Court and the surrounding areas, leaving an entire community in shock and fear.
The incident began around 2:00 p.m., with reports of gunfire coming from the Arista Flats complex, located on Central Court, just west of the old 1STBANK Center. Broomfield Police, responding to initial calls from frantic residents, arrived at the scene only to find that the situation was still ongoing. Shots were reportedly being fired from within the apartment complex, leading to immediate action by law enforcement.
The Broomfield Police Department took to social media to issue a warning and update the public on the dangerous situation. In a tweet that quickly spread across social media platforms, the department wrote: “Officers are on scene of an ACTIVE SHOOTING at the Arista Flats apartments on Central Ct in Broomfield. Reverse emergency notification sent to residents to shelter in place. The surrounding area is NOT SAFE.” The post was accompanied by a clear and urgent message to the public: this was an ongoing and active threat, and anyone in the vicinity was strongly advised to stay indoors and avoid the area altogether.
Local media outlets quickly picked up on the situation, with Denver7 Traffic Expert Jayson Luber providing updates on the scene’s proximity to major thoroughfares. Luber reported that there was “no impact to Highway 36 past the area where Broomfield police have been dealing with the active shooting,” reassuring commuters that the main highway remained accessible for those outside of the immediate danger zone. However, for the residents of the Arista Flats apartments and nearby buildings, the situation was anything but calm. With gunfire continuing to erupt, the community was left on edge, anxiously awaiting further updates from authorities.
As the minutes ticked by, the gravity of the situation became more apparent. Law enforcement from multiple agencies, including SWAT teams and tactical units, descended on the scene, prepared for what could be a prolonged and dangerous standoff. The area surrounding the apartment complex was cordoned off, with officers setting up a perimeter to prevent anyone from inadvertently wandering into the line of fire. The urgency of the shelter-in-place order could not be overstated, as police repeatedly emphasized the unpredictable nature of the active shooter.
Inside the apartments, residents were thrust into a state of terror and uncertainty. Many had no idea what had sparked the violence, but the sound of gunfire was unmistakable. Some were in their homes, attempting to stay as quiet as possible
