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Man killed in Montbello shootout is identified

Published February 6, 2009 at 9:21 a.m.
Updated February 6, 2009 at 9:21 a.m.

Authorities have identified the 21-year-old man killed in a wild gunfight in Denver's Montbello neighborhood Wednesday evening.

Frank Blair was pronounced dead at 5:33 p.m. Wednesday at University of Colorado Hospital, the Denver Coroner's Office said.

Police have arrested a man and a teen-age boy — who also were wounded in the shootout — on suspicion of first-degree murder, Denver police spokeswoman Detective Sharon Avendano said Thursday. Both suspects suffered minor gunshot wounds to the face.

An argument triggered the gunfight after 5 p.m. in the 5000 block of North Victor Way.

"During the altercation, there was an exchange of gunfire between the three men," she said.

The dying man ran ran to a nearby home and called police and was transported to the hospital.

A second combatant also called police and was taken to the hospital with a minor facial wound.

Officers found the third man running in the area. He was also taken to the hospital for treatment of a minor facial gunshot wound.

One suspect was identified at Keidric Johnson, 24. The other is a 16-year-old boy, whose name was withheld because he's a minor.

Both are being held in Denver City Jail for investigation of murder.

Police questioned the suspects and witnesses to determine what sparked the violence and who was responsible, Avendano said.

Police encouraged anyone with information to call investigators at 720-913-2000.

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