(July 5) On July 5, 2022, at approximately 11:13 a.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to assist on a structure fire at the Ranger Motel, 11220 East Colfax Avenue. Once on scene, first responders were confronted with a man that was armed with a knife.
The armed male then entered a neighboring room where that occupant was able to safely escape. The male then barricaded inside of this room and a large contingent of officers from patrol, and special units such as SWAT and crisis negotiators, responded to the scene. For over an hour, officers attempted to communicate with the barricaded man in hopes of a peaceful resolution.
Just after 12:30p, the man emerged from the room and advanced at officers. A total of six officers fired their weapons, three of the officers firing less-lethal weapons. A medic assigned to APD SWAT immediately provided medical care and the injured man was then transported to the hospital. This man has since been pronounced deceased.
All of the Aurora Police Officers who fired their weapons were equipped with department-issued body cameras, which will be used in this ongoing investigation. All have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy.
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) for the 18th Judicial District responded and will be investigating this officer-involved shooting incident. The CIRT Team conducts independent, multi-agency investigations into officer-involved shootings that occur in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert County.
The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office will release the name of the 51-year-old man after positive identification and notification of next of kin.
If you have any information about this incident, you are asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
Link to press briefing given by Chief Oates.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Public Affairs Unit
720.432.5095
|