A Denver-based certified public accountant, Ryan Egelston, 28, was arrested following a shooting spree in which he allegedly targeted two individuals. The incident reportedly began with a dispute over a park bench. Egelston, who identifies himself online as a “certified joy enthusiast,” “small business owner,” and someone with a “deep passion to preach and teach the Word of God,” was taken into custody on Sunday. He faces charges of attempted first-degree murder.
The shooting took place in Denver’s Washington Park. The Denver Police Department reports that Egelston allegedly shot one of the victims in the neck and jaw in what appears to be a random attack. The victim was found in the 900 block of South Downing Street and survived the assault. The second individual, who Egelston also allegedly shot at, had tried to sit next to him on the park bench.
According to the Denver Police Department, Egelston was involved in a verbal altercation with the first victim over the park bench. Witnesses reported seeing Egelston spit on the victim, push him in the chest, and eventually punch him in the lower back. The victim tried to leave the scene on his bicycle when Egelston allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired a shot at him. A bullet defect was later found in the rear tire of the victim’s bike.
Shortly after the first incident, witnesses reported seeing Egelston approach the second victim in the area of South Downing Street and East Kentucky Avenue. He allegedly pulled out his firearm again and fired a single shot at the second victim from behind, causing serious bodily injury. There was no reported disagreement or altercation between Egelston and the second victim before the shooting.
Egelston reportedly fled the scene in his red Hyundai sedan after the shootings. He was later apprehended by police following a high-risk stop and a PIT maneuver to immobilize his car. During interviews with the police, Egelston claimed that he believed the victims were part of a “psy-ops” mission against him, a term referring to psychological operations.
Egelston had previously discussed his belief in psychological warfare during an appearance on a Christian podcast. He expressed extreme views, including the belief that artificial intelligence would usher in the end times. During his police interview, Egelston admitted to being placed on a mental health hold in May 2024, although the reasons for this remain unclear.