Denver Cop Accused of Using Gun to Speed up McDonald’s Breakfast

A Denver police officer faces felony menacing and weapons charges based on an allegation that he pointed a pistol to speed up his order at an Aurora McDonald’s in May.An employee at the McDonald’s at 18181 E. Hampden Ave. told investigators that two officers were waiting for their order at the drive-through window in the early morning hours when Derrick Curtis Saunders, 29, grew impatient and pulled a weapon.

In addition to the menacing and weapons charges, Saunders also is charged with prohibited use of a weapon, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct, the Aurora Police Department said Monday.

Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson said Saunders has been suspended with pay during the investigation, but he would be put on unpaid leave once the department is formally notified of the charges.

Jackson said neither he nor Police Chief Gerald Whitman would comment on the case.

“It would be inappropriate for us to make any comment about another department’s case, especially an ongoing, active investigation,” he said.

Saunders was assigned to Denver International Airport.  His booking photograph was not available from Aurora police Monday.

– By Joey Bunch | The Denver Post