DENVER, Colo. — A 31-year-old man has been charged with attempted first-degree murder following an unprovoked shooting that left a scooter rider critically injured in downtown Denver. The incident, which took place late at night on April 3, has raised significant public concern due to the random nature of the attack.
Anthony Davon Apodaca faces serious charges after allegedly shooting Nico Francis in the neck during an altercation near the busy intersection of 18th and Stout streets, an area known for its nightlife and transit access. This brazen act not only shocked the community but also spotlighted the ongoing discussions around public safety in Denver.
Shortly before the shooting, Francis, who was riding a Lime scooter after attending an art walk, encountered a white Chevrolet SUV that had drawn attention. A passenger in the SUV began to confront bystanders, and Francis attempted to diffuse the situation by expressing his disinterest in conflict. Despite his efforts, the vehicle later pulled alongside him at a red light, where the confrontation escalated dramatically.
When police arrived at the scene shortly after gunfire was reported, they found Francis injured and in dire need of medical assistance. Witnesses reported seeing the SUV’s passenger ask Francis if he had a problem before firing a shot and fleeing the scene. Following a swift investigation, officers detained several individuals from a matching vehicle, and one identified Apodaca as the shooter.
Francis described the traumatic experience, recounting how he felt a sharp pain and intense shock as he was struck. He struggled to call for help due to blood covering his phone and sought aid from nearby bystanders. A quick-thinking Good Samaritan intervened, applying pressure to Francis’s wound and assisting him in calling emergency services. Medical professionals later informed him that the bullet narrowly missed critical arteries, resulting in severe damage to his shoulder and limiting his arm’s mobility.
As the legal proceedings moved forward, Apodaca was arrested and charged with attempted murder. Prosecutors initially sought a $100,000 cash-only bond. However, a judge set the bond at $75,000, allowing for surety and imposing conditions such as home confinement and GPS monitoring. Francis expressed his fear over Apodaca’s release, even with these restrictions, emphasizing the unsettling feeling of being targeted by a stranger.
This bond decision has generated significant public discussion, largely because of Francis’s emotional response to being shot for no apparent reason. He has described the attack as random, with no prior connection to his assailant. The police investigation remains ongoing, with no motive having been officially released.
Francis’s experience reflects broader tensions surrounding public safety in downtown areas, particularly regarding perceptions of violence. Since moving to Denver in 2020, he often defended the city’s safety, but this incident has changed his outlook and instilled a sense of fear.
Despite his progress, Francis faces a long road to recovery, complicated by ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation. He has turned to community support through fundraising efforts to manage his sustained injuries and lost wages.
As court proceedings continue, the focus will shift to the evidence against Apodaca and the implications of his actions, with advocates urging for increased accountability in public safety measures. The next court hearing is scheduled for later this month, as both the victim and the community await answers in this shocking case.