(February 6, 2020) - On January 28, 2019, the Force Review board (FRB) convened to review the Elijah McClain critical incident in accordance with directive 3.3.7. The Force Review Board (FRB) consists of a body of sworn officers that reviews incidents involving an officer’s use of any weapon to overcome a subject’s resistance, or when a subject is injured by an officer’s application of force which requires medical treatment. Additionally, the FRB can convene to review any incidents deemed necessary by the Aurora Police Department Executive staff. The FRB reviews these cases for compliance with applicable state statues and department directives, as well as any training deficiencies.
Based on all the available information the FRB concluded that the officers were called to the area to investigate a suspicious person. Officers had a lawful reason to contact Mr. McClain. The force applied during the altercation to include the carotid control hold and the force applied during the altercation was within policy and consistent with training.
“The loss of Mr. McClain’s life is tragic, and we continue to offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those impacted by this loss.“ -Chief Vanessa Wilson
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720.432.5095
Update to Elijah McClain Critical Incident Press Conference
On November 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz held a joint press conference with Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny. The press conference began with a 911 call, and followed by body worn camera footage of the incident involving Elijah McClain that occurred on the night of August 24, 2019.
After the video Aurora Police Chief Metz and Aurora Fire Deputy Chief McInerny addressed the police and paramedic actions during the event. They offered their heartfelt condolences for the loss of Mr. McClain, and acknowledged the impact on Mr. McClain's family, our community, and the involved officers that evening.
Body worn camera video, the APD Integration Program, a Joint Press Release from APD and AFR, an AFR press release, AFR Ketamine Protocols, the transcript of the 911 call, the Office of the Coroner, Adams and Broomfield Counties Autopsy report for Mr. McClain, APD Directive 5.08 Less Lethal Devices, Weapons and Techniques, APD Carotid Control Hold Vs. Chokehold Comparison presentation and SB 15-219 can be found among the following links:
Press Conference Packet
BWC video
November 22, 2019 Press Conference
911 Call
Officer Crystal McCoy
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
PRESS CONFERENCE: Update on Elijah McClain Critical Incident
WHAT: Press Conference Addressing the Elijah McClain Critical Incident
WHEN: Friday, November 22, 2019 7:00 P.M.
WHERE: Aurora Police Headquarters, 15001 East Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO
WHO: Chief of Police, Nick Metz and Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny
CONTACT: Officer Tony Camacho, Public Information Officer for the Aurora Police Department
(720) 432-5095
Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz and Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny will be providing updates and answering questions on the August 24th Critical Incident involving Elijah McClain.
The conference will be held in a secure location inside of Police Headquarters. The media is asked to arrive no later than 6:30 P.M. through the main lobby of Police Headquarters. Please call the on-call PIO number when you arrive and a representative of the Media Relations Unit will then escort you into the building.
Members of the media who plan on attending, please RVSP to [email protected] no later than Friday, November 22, 2019 by 6:00 P.M.
Officer Anthony Camacho
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
UPDATE: We fully understand the need for transparency throughout this entire investigation and we can appreciate the seriousness of this matter. Last week, at the invitation of the Chief of Police, members of Mr. McClain’s family heard the 911 call and viewed body worn camera videos from this incident. We continue to offer our deepest condolences to Mr. McClain’s family and friends during this very difficult time.
From the beginning, Chief Metz ordered an investigation at the level consistent with officer-involved shootings pursuant to Senate Bill 15-219 by having a multi-agency team comprised of members from the Denver Police Department, Aurora Police Department and the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. That investigation continues.
On August 24, 2019 at 10:32 p.m. the Aurora Police Department received a 911 call where the called described a “suspicious person”. The caller reported an adult male was walking on Billings Street near East Colfax Avenue, wearing a ski mask and flailing his arms at the caller.
Officers arrived in the area and contacted a male still wearing a ski mask, later identified as Elijah McClain. The male began to resist the officer contact, a struggle then ensued, and he was taken into custody. Aurora Fire Rescue administered a standard medication to reduce Mr. McClain’s agitation. He was then transported to a local hospital where tragically he died days later.
The Adams County Coroner’s Office report is not yet completed and is a key component to providing much needed information to this investigation. Once their report is finished, the Coroner’s Office will be the ones who release those results. It will be included in the case that is then presented to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review.
No further comment will be provided by the Aurora Police Department to protect the integrity of the investigation and review by the District Attorney’s office.
Officer Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Aurora Police Department
720-432-5095
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Information previously released on 08/26/2019:
On August 24, 2019 at 10:32 p.m. the Aurora Police Department received a “suspicious person” call. The caller reported an adult male was walking on Billings Street near East Colfax Avenue, wearing a ski mask and waving his arms at the caller.
Officers arrived in the area and contacted a male wearing a ski mask. The male would not stop walking down the street from the officer. The male resisted contact, a struggle ensued, and he was taken into custody. Due to the level of physical force applied while restraining the subject and his agitated mental state, officers requested Aurora Fire Rescue (AFR) and Falck Ambulance respond to render professional medical attention.
According to AFR, consistent with their accepted protocol, a standard medication routinely utilized to reduce agitation was administered and reduced the exhibited anxiety. Several minutes later during the transport to the hospital the patient suffered a cardiac arrest and lifesaving measures were initiated. He regained a pulse and is currently being treated at a local hospital.
The Aurora PD Victim Services Unit assisted in locating the family and taking them to the hospital. They are providing support as the investigation continues.
During this event, officers were using their issued body worn cameras. Because of the critical nature of this incident, it is being investigated by the APD Major Crimes/Homicide Unit and members of the Denver Police Department to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into the events of that night.
The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene that evening and will review the investigation when it is completed.
We are asking anyone with information about this case to please contact Agent M. Ingui at 303-739-6067.
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