Earlier this morning, the Aurora Police Department released brief details in regards to an officer-involved shooting that occurred at 8900 East Colfax Avenue.
The investigation has revealed new details that the Aurora Police Department wishes to provide to the public in the sake of continued transparency. Detectives still have various witnesses to speak with and evidence to sift through, therefore the investigation is still considered to be in its preliminary stages.
Today in a press conference, Chief Metz discussed that he had viewed body-camera footage of the officer-involved shooting and provided the following information in a public statement:
This morning officers responded to the 8900 block of East Colfax Avenue around 12:30 A.M. to investigate a report of shots fired where a person was allegedly menaced with a gun. Officers received a very specific suspect description and began to search the area for the suspect. Just moments later during this search, Officers located a subject on the very same block matching the distinctive description of the suspect.
As Officers attempted to contact the suspect, he fled on foot through the parking lot of the Biltmore Motel located at 8900 East Colfax Avenue. A foot chase ensued and during this foot chase, Officers observed that the male was armed with a gun. They gave verbal orders for the suspect to drop the gun multiple times prior to the officer firing his weapon.
The Subject ran around a blind corner, stopped and was waiting as officers came around the corner. Officers gave more orders for the suspect to drop the gun before shots were fired. Subsequently, a handgun was found in possession of the suspect at the scene.
Officers immediately rendered aid to the subject to include the application of tourniquets and immediately contacted AFD/EMS. The subject was transported to a local hospital where he remained in serious condition for some time until he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The suspect is an African American adult male who will be identified by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office in days to come.
Officers present at the scene were equipped with and properly utilized department issued body-worn cameras.
Chief Metz acknowledged that the loss of any human life is a tragedy. He also remarked that he was proud of the professionalism that his officers displayed during such an incident.
If further information becomes available for public release we will provide an update here.
A press conference detailing more information about the incident can be viewed here:
https://youtu.be/Ie7RHF2wUME
Bill Hummel
Public Information Office
Media Relation Unit
(720) 432-5095
Information previously released on June 27, 2018 at 5:34 AM
On June 27, 2018 just after midnight, Aurora Police Officers responded to the 8900 block of E. Colfax Ave. to investigate the report of gunshots heard in the area.
As Officers were in this area, they obtained a description of a suspect who was reportedly involved in the shots fired call. As Officers checked the area, they located a suspect matching the provided description. Officers attempted to contact this adult male and a foot chase ensued. During the foot chase, Officers chased the suspect into the parking lot of the Biltmore Motel located at 8900 E. Colfax Ave. During the foot pursuit, one officer discharged his firearm, striking the suspect. A weapon not belonging to officers was found at the scene.
The suspect was subsequently transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The identity of the suspect is not being released at this time.
No officers were injured during this incident. The officer(s) involved will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The investigation is being handled by the Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit in conjunction with the Denver Police Department. Detectives will work to determine what lead up to the shooting. Due to the on-going nature of the investigation, no further information is available at this time.
Anyone who might have witnessed this incident is asked to contact Detective Nick Huber with the Major Crimes/Homicide Unit at (303) 739-6090.
Officer Bill Hummel
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
(720) 432-5095